A chip off the ol' corrupt block

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington is on the ball pointing out the most corrupt members of Congress. And their sons, where applicable. I was pleased to see my home state's own corrupt dynasty included on the list. On the other hand, I guess it's comforting to know that I could be the current Missouri governor if pop just had the money to buy it for me.

Family connections have also helped Rep. Blunt’s son, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, who received campaign contributions from nearly three dozen influential Missouri lobbyists and lawyers when he ran for governor of Missouri in 2004, half of whom had provided financial support to his father.

In 2000, when Matt Blunt was running for Secretary of State, Rep. Blunt was involved in an apparent scheme to funnel money through a local party committee into Matt Blunt’s campaign committee. Committees tied to Rep. Blunt contributed $90,000 to the 7^th District Congressional Republican Committee which, in turn, contributed $76,000 to Matt Blunt’s campaign committee. In addition, Altria – the company for which Blunt’s wife is the top lobbyist – made a $24,000 contribution to Matt Blunt’s campaign, and a $100,000 contribution to the 7^th District Congressional Republican Committee.

They should probably use some of those moneyed connections to start buying indulgences. I can't express the contempt I have for this bunch. I grew up quite literally down the street from them (no, not in a posh neighborhood but out in the boonies), and son Matt is just a year older than me. Watching his rapid ascent of the political ladder all the way to the governor's mansion-- with no relevant experience-- has been an unwelcome lesson in the power of money to influence politics. At least he's one of the nation's least popular governors. And his wife is fat, too. Ha.