From The Hotline Latest Edition for Friday, April 18,2008

MISSOURI

Those Post-Vacation Blues

Fri. Apr. 18, 2008


Deputy State Treasurer Doug Gaston, Treas. Sarah Steelman's (R) full-time camp spokesperson, is "still receiving a full state paycheck." Gaston says he has saved up vacation time and when that runs out he will be "'volunteering' with the state when his services are needed."

In an e-mail statement, Steelman writes that "at no time did Doug perform campaign work on state time." Steelman's most recent filing with the MO Ethics Commission on 4/15 "doesn't show any payment being made to Gaston" or "to any campaign staff."

Rep. Kenny Hulshof's (R-09) spokesperson Scott Baker called it "a clear abuse of taxpayer resources." MO Dem spokesperson Jack Cardetti: "The problem here, obviously, is that Doug Gaston will be wearing two hats. He's being paid as a campaign aide with the sole responsibility to elect Steelman. And at the same time he'll be sitting in judgment in front of special interests who are seeking favors"

MO State U's George Connor: "This is not an arrangement that meets the smell test. It might be legal. It might be ethical. But it's still a conflict of interest" (Messenger, St. Louis Post Dispatch, 4/18).