Blunt appointee denies connection to donation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Gov. Matt Blunt's latest appointee to the state transportation commission received a positive vote Wednesday from senators after denying any connection between his appointment and a big contribution to the governor's campaign.

Rudolph Farber gave $50,000 to Blunt about two weeks before the Republican governor nominated him to the powerful Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. Some Democrats have questioned whether there was a political cause and effect.

"It is my strong belief that the substantial contribution and support I've given to the governor recently is unrelated to this appointment," Farber told members of the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee.

"That particular contribution would have been made regardless" of Blunt's interest in appointing him to the commission, Farber added.

Blunt also has said there was no connection between the contribution and appointment.

Farber's assurance seemed satisfactory enough for the committee, which voted to confirm Farber's appointment as part of a slate of nominees for various boards and commissions.

Farber can join the commission after receiving a confirmation vote by the full Senate, which likely will occur Thursday.

Among its most prominent duties, the six-member transportation commission determines which road and bridge projects get built and who gets the contracts.

Farber, 66, of Neosho, is chairman of the board of Community Bank and Trust.

He said Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, approached him last fall about potentially serving on the commission before he received a call from Blunt asking him to consider the position.

"One of the things I don't do is I don't go to politicians and say I want A, B and C," Farber said while explaining he neither sought out the post nor expected anything from his contribution.

Nodler described Farber as an "extremely generous individual" -- to politicians, charities, industrial development and various community causes.

"He never asks for anything in return," Nodler said. "That is something unusual for a large benefactor."

Farber was questioned about his contribution to Blunt by Senate Minority Leader Maida Coleman, D-St. Louis, who didn't object to his confirmation but remained somewhat skeptical after Farber's answers.

"I don't necessarily believe that Mr. Farber sought the appointment with the contribution," Coleman said, "but I do believe it's much easier to give a large contribution once a governor has appointed you to a commission" or expressed and interest in doing so.

Farber has tended to favor Republicans with his political contributions, but campaign finance records show he also has contributed to some Democrats.