Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Secretary of State candidate has accepted $14,000+ in lobbyists' gifts

Since becoming a state senator in 2006, Secretary of State candidate Scott Rupp, R-St. Charles County, has accepted $14,363.62 in gifts from lobbyists, including a casino visit that he specifically requested.

Missouri Ethics Commission documents show that Rupp solicited lodging worth $243.24 from Ameristar Casino lobbyist Jorgen Schlemeier of the powerful Gamble & Schlemeier firm on April 3, 2009, the same year he accepted 76 gifts worth $5,154.77 from lobbyists.

The April visit was not the only time Rupp solicited a gift from Schlemeier, according to the Ethics Commission documents. On Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 of 2009, he asked for and received lodging worth $125.04 from Schlemeier's partner, William Gamble, and $150.14 from Schlemeier. Rupp's aide, Melissa DeStefano, also received lodging paid for by Schlemeier, the documents indicate. Ms. DeStefano received $537 worth of gifts from lobbyists in 2009.

In 2011, Rupp solicited lodging worth $126.97 and an $81.25 meal from Schlemeier, with Rupp's wife, Carissa, also receiving an $81.25 meal. During 2011, Rupp received $1,978.26 in lobbyists' gifts, while another $331.71 worth were given to Carissa Rupp.

During the first six months of 2012, Rupp has received $1,122.55 in gifts, including $173.50 in St. Louis Cardinals' tickets from lobbyist John Bardgett as recently as June 9. Bardgett's client (as always) is listed as Bardgett and Associates. He represents a number of St. Louis interests.

Rupp opened the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals with tickets worth $125, courtesty of David Michael Jackson, representing retired billionaire Rex Sinquefield. Bardgett paid for National League Division Series tickets (St. Louis vs. Philadelphia) on Oct. 4 for $78.50.

Documents for 2010 show Rupp receiving $1,931.09, including a $60 golf outing paid for by Charles Simino, lobbyist for the Missouri Cable Telecommunications Association.

In 2008, when Rupp picked up $1,708.92 in gifts, he was treated to two golf outings by Craig Felzien of AT&T.

In 2007, Rupp did the inauguration in style with $569.83 worth of meals and drinks provided by lobbyists Jerry Burch, Burch and Associates; David Hale, Missouri Hospital Association; and Mark Rhoads, The Rhoads Group.


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