Today's court date for MEC v. Joy Camp (08AC-AC02150), Bellefontaine Neighbors, treasurer for Rodney Hubbard's three committees, is no more. 2008 Dec 8, MEC petitioned the Cole County Circuit Court to recover late fees relating to 58th Democratic LDC, a political party/legislative district committee controlled by Hubbard, 5th Ward Committeeman and former 5th Dist State Sen candidate, former 58th Dist State Rep.

According to the petition, the committee's 2008 Jan Quarter Report was two days late; MEC assessed a late fee of $10 per day, $20 total; sent letters to Camp on Jan 31, March 15, June 3 demanding payment, which did not happen. A hearing was set for today but dismissed without prejudice Feb 9. The filing fee for the case was $52. Stories on MEC going to court to collect fines for late lobbyist reports in amounts lower than the court filing fees here (MEC v. Lou Hamilton) and here (MEC v. Fred Steffen).

Hubbard's party committee raised $88,014 from 2007 Oct Quarter to 2008 July Quarter. Major donors included Missourians for Koster $30,000 and an additional $650 check from Chris Koster; MHCA PAC $15,000 total; Technology Drive LLC $5000; Economic Growth Council $1050. The reports didn't specify which Missouri Health Care Assn PAC (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 all terminated Jan 20) made the contributions.

$88,000 is a decent amount of money to spend in a primary and general election. But Hubbard only spent 36% of it and only 18% of that, $5,601.38, went to expenses, including $2000 to Jasenka Benac (now Benac French) for equipment; $1500 to consultant AD French and Associates (21st Ward Alderman-elect Antonio French); $1,278.47 to consultant Chilenski Group. No money was spent on poll workers, signs, mailings, advertising. 82% of what he spent, $25,700, went to other committees.

The laundering of political money through legislative district committees is common in Missouri. That Hubbard did so little of it in the past year with his, instead retaining most of funds, is the surprising part.  The 58th Dist committee received $12,750 from KC attorney Tim Dollar 2007 Sept 23 and made a $12,500 donation to Missourians for Koster on Sept 27. That appears to be the only clear money in/money out laundering activity.

Other contributions made included $8,750 to Jay Nixon for Governor; $1250 to Missouri Democratic Party; $1000 each to 60th Dist. State Rep Jamilah Nasheed and 80th Dist State Rep, now 14th Dist State Sen candidate Ted Hoskins (unopposed in 2008 for his House seat); another $950 to Koster; $250 to 4th Ward Committeewoman Norma Leggette's 4th Ward Original Democratic Organization.

Hubbard's party committee reported no activity for the General Election, filed Limited Activity. As of the July report, it has an on-hand of $56,712.62.

Hubbard (49.6% 6142 votes) ran and lost to former 63rd State Rep. Robin Wright-Jones (50.4% 6238 votes) in the 2008 Aug 8 Primary to replace term limited 5th Dist. State Sen. Maida Coleman, now Independent mayoral candidate. Hubbard's House seat went to Rev. James Morris, who ran unopposed after MEC kicked candidate Sam Coleman off the ballot at its 2008 April 21 meeting, the Section 105.492.2 RSMo penalty for a candidate's failure to file the personal financial statement required by Section 105.483(11) RSMo. Sam Coleman's candidate committee has not terminated. His 2008 July Quarter Report was the last showing activity. From creation in 2007 Oct thru 2008 June, the committee raised $21,685; paid $10,415.49 in expenses; contributed $3500 to 19th Ward Committeeman and License Collector Mike McMillan's Jordan W Chambers 19th Ward Regular Democratic Organization; and was left with $7,219.49 on-hand.

State Rep. Morris' committee reported on-hand of $215.15 and $450 in debt on his 30 Days After General Election filing.