Ex-Missouri senator Dempsey joins Gate Way Group lobbying firm

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's former top senator has taken a new job with a St. Louis-based lobbying firm.

The Gate Way Group said Wednesday former Senate president pro tem Tom Dempsey will serve as its director of business development and oversee efforts to expand its government affairs work to other states and the federal government.

Dempsey, a Republican from St. Charles, resigned Friday after serving for about 15 years in the Missouri House and Senate. He had said only he was returning to the private sector.

The Gate Way Group said Dempsey won't lobby members of the Missouri Legislature but will help shape advocacy campaigns in other states.

The company's various clients include conservative activist Rex Sinquefield, a retired investment executive who is Missouri's largest political donor.