It's veto session time and the cash is flowing for our legislators

The veto session for the Missouri Legislature begins Wednesday, but the real work began tonight for two Joplin area legislators and many of their colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Rep. Bill Lant, R-Pineville, joined Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob, and Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, and invited friends to join them for "Drinks on the Top Deck," earlier this evening at J. Pfenny's Sports Grill and Pub in Jefferson City.

Of course, those friends needed to come with their wallets. Platinum sponsors had to pay $2,500, gold sponsors $1,000, silver sponsors $500, and guests $150.

Most of the people in Lant's district need not apply.

Another busy legislator is Rep. Tom Flanigan, R-Carthage, who has two such fundraisers scheduled, including what was billed as a "Veto Session Reception" this evening from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Joining Flanigan were Rep. Anne Zerr, R-St. Charles, and Rep. Sue Allen, R-Town and Country.

For those who missed a chance to contribute to Flanigan's campaign bank account, he has a breakfast scheduled at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

For many elected officials the fundraising component of the veto session is just as important or more important than the work that is done when the session is convened.

The following schedule was e-mailed to potential donors:

Monday
14 Mike Parson Reception – Gibbons Workman – JC – 5:30-7 p.m.

Tuesday
15 Jeanie Riddle Golf – Tanglewood Golf Course – Fulton – 8 a.m. reg./ 8:30 a.m. tee 15 Wilson, McDaniel & Hicks Reception – Mo Credit Union Assn. – 4-5:15 p.m.
15 Crawford, Dugger & Entlicher Reception – Madison’s – JC – 4-6 p.m.
15 Conway, Franklin, Haefner & Solon Reception – Gumbo Bottoms – 4:30-6 p.m.
15 Jeanie Lauer Reception – MCTA, 223 E. Capitol – JC – 4:30-6 p.m.
15 Fitzpatrick, Rowden, Lant – Drinks on Top Deck, J Pfenny’s – 5-6 p.m.
15 Mike Bernskoetter Reception – Spectator’s – JC – 5-6:30 p.m.
15 HRCC reception for DeMoss, Plocher, Wood – 305 Jefferson St. – 5-6:30 p.m.
15 Butler, Carpenter, Dunn & LaFaver Reception – Deck at Bones – JC - 5-7 p.m.
15 Democrat Women of the General Assembly event – JCCC – 5-8 p.m.
15 Zerr, Allen, Leara, Flanigan Reception – 107 East High, Ste. 201 – JC – 5:30-7 p.m.
15 Colona & Mitten Reception – High Street Pub – JC – 5:30-7 p.m.
15 Eric Schmitt Reception – J Pfennys – JC – 6 -7 p.m.
15 John McCaherty Reception –J Pfennys– 6-7:30 p.m.
15 Schupp, Lavender, Arthur, McCreery Reception – 318A Washington – JC – 6-7:30 p.m.
15 Vickie Englund Reception – J Pfenny’s, upstairs – 6-9 p.m.
15 Keith English Wine & Cheese Reception – 9065 Blake Dr. – Columbia – 6:30-9:30 p.m.
15 8 Guys and a Lady Reception – Mo Credit Union Assn., 223 Madison – 7-8:30 p.m.
15 Scott Sifton Reception – Madison’s Café – 7-8:30 p.m.
15 Senate Republicans - Dessert by pool – Kehoe’s – 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday
16 Mike Cierpiot & Will Kraus – Downtown Diner, 127 E. High – 7:30 -9 a.m.
16 Gary Romine Breakfast – JCCC – JC – 8 a.m.
16 Paul Wieland Breakfast – JCCC – JC – 8 a.m.
16 Dan Hegeman Breakfast – JCCC –JC – 8 a.m.
16 Denny Hoskins Breakfast – JCCC – JC – 8 a.m.
16 Dave Hinson Breakfast – JCCC – JC - 8 a.m.
16 Tom Flanigan Breakfast – JCCC – JC – 8 a.m.
16 Rick Stream Breakfast – JCCC – 8 a.m.
16 Eric Burlison Coffee – Café via Roma – 8:30-10 a.m.
16 Veto Session at Noon
16 Jake Zimmerman Reception – CJ Mugg’s – STL – 5-7 p.m.

Thursday
17 Bob Dixon Breakfast – JCCC, Jefferson Room – 7:30-9 a.m.

Friday
18 Shamed Dogan Reception – Flotron’s home – 5-7 p.m.