The State Senate has given its approval to a controversial appointment made by Governor Matt Blunt to the State Transportation Commission. Rudy Farber’s nomination came under fire when it was learned he had made a $50,000 contribution to the Governor just two weeks before the appointment was made.
Senate Democratic Leader Maida Coleman (D-St. Louis) agrees with Farber’s supporters that Farber, a banker by trade, did not seek this appointment in exchange for his contribution. Coleman says, however, that while she does not believe Farber contributed money in exchange for the appointment, making a contribution this large does not look good. She adds it will always look bad when people with deep pockets make contributions to those who can make appointments to commissions and boards.
Farber’s nomination was approved on a 27-5 vote.
