Capitol Democrats are criticizing Governor Matt Blunt over one of his appointments to the State Highways and Transportation.

Rudy Farber gave $50,000 to Blunt just weeks before the Governor made the nomination. Some Democrats are asking whether there is any connection between the money and the nomination. Blunt has denied there is any connection, saying the money had no bearing on the appointment. Blunt dismisses the Democratic Party criticism as “partisan quibbling.”

The Farber appointment has received a positive vote from the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee. The nomination now goes to the full Senate for its consideration.