March 15, 2008 04:34 pm
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By Joe Hadsall
Globe columnist
The months of January, April, July and October are interesting for political junkies, because that’s when the latest campaign finance disclosures are released. The only times more interesting are in the weeks before an election.
Ordinarily, campaign committees must disclose contributions and expenditures every three months. But when an election nears, they must report more often.
Such reports are due eight days before an election and 30 days after. The reports are due so that in the mad rush in the days before an election they can be properly recorded.
Voters can also see for themselves which groups supported which candidates. Keep in mind that there’s not much candidates can buy during the last eight days of a campaign. Sure, they can buy a few extra inches in the newspaper, or a few extra seconds on TV or radio. But for the most part, media purchases are made well in advance, and they also cost the most. That means voters can get a good picture of who’s backing a candidate with plenty of time to spare before hitting the polls.
However, lobbyist expenditures aren’t as driven by elections. Those reports are due monthly, and there’s no different procedure for election time.
Back to the campaign committees: The same rules apply no matter what office for which a candidate runs. From the governor’s office all the way down to a rural school-board member, candidates have to report their donations if they plan on raising more than $1,000.
Joplin’s five school-board candidates all have such committees, as do several of the City Council candidates. Accessing them all will take a bit of driving, however.
Candidates file their reports in the county of their residence. That means the candidates who live in Newton County have to drive all the way to Neosho, the county seat. That goes for anyone who wants to see those reports, as well. (Note to the Globe’s marketing department: That’s a great slogan! “The Joplin Globe. Driving to Neosho to check on campaign finance reports so you don’t have to.”)
Local candidates won’t spend nearly the amount as state officials. If one of the school-board candidates spends more than $5,000, I’ll honestly be surprised.
While we wait for those finance reports, here’s a rundown of the latest lobbyist expenditures for our local members of the Legislature in January:
Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mount Vernon, collected $254.62 from lobbyists; $129, paid for by Catherine Barrie, was for a continuing legal education seminar; and the rest was spent on meals. Barrie represents the Missouri Bar, based in Jefferson City.
Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, received $98.89 from lobbyists, including a $30 dinner at a Jefferson City country club from James R. Moody, and $58.42 worth of candy from Larry G. Cole. Cole lobbies for Cornerstone Health, based in Rogers, Ark. For $58, that better be good candy, or a lot of it.
Rep. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, received $125.40 in meals from eight different lobbyists.
Surprisingly, the area’s top receiver is a guy who is term-limiting out. Rep. Steve Hunter, R-Joplin, received $311.70, mostly in meals. Lobbyist Michelle R. Galloway spent $132 for four tickets to an unspecified entertainment event held on Jan. 8. Galloway represents the Missouri Energy Development Association, based out of Jefferson City.
Rep. Marilyn Ruestman, R-Joplin, received $73.94 in meals, including a dinner at the Ecco Lounge in Jefferson City. She and Emery likely attended the same meal: James R. Moody spent $18 on each of them on Jan. 8. Moody lobbies for 31 different groups.
Rep. Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City, received the least in January. Two lobbyists spent $22.92 in meals.
Rep. Kevin Wilson had only one more meal than Stevenson, but lobbyists spent $102.31 on those meals.
Address correspondence to Joe Hadsall, c/o The Joplin Globe, P.O. Box 7, Joplin, Mo. 64802 or e-mail jhadsall@joplinglobe.com.
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