Sikeston Republican takes $5,200 in Sinquefield cash

Quarterly campaign disclosure reports for Missouri politicians are beginning to trickle in and it is becoming more and more apparent that retired billionaire and educational voucher supporter Rex Sinquefield is willing to spend whatever it takes to push his views on Missourians.

In the April 6 Turner Report, I noted that Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, had taken nearly $10,000 in Sinquefield cash during the first three months of 2008.

You can add Rep. Ellen Brandom, R-Sikeston, to those who are willing to open their wallets and take Sinquefield's money, according to her report, filed April 4 with the Missouri Ethics Commission, Ms. Brandom accepted $5,200 in contributions from committees formed by Sinquefield to get around Missouri's campaign contribution limits. She took maximum $325 contributions from 10 different versions of "Your School, Your Choice," and from six versions of Missourians Supporting Teacher Excellence.