State digest 07/17/05

Nixon sues over garbage sent to eBay bidders

ST. LOUIS -- A Bethany, Mo., man is being sued by Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon for allegedly sending garbage and even feces to eBay customers who thought they were bidding for new or slightly used clothing. Nixon filed the fraud suit against Michael D. Pickens. His wife, Tamera Pickens, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he is disabled with a rare blood disease, is unemployed and has never sold anything over the Internet. Nixon said Pickens either ignored or refused requests for refunds. The lawsuit seeks fines of $1,000 per violation.

Challengers report more cash than McCaskill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Two potential Republican nominees for state auditor each reported more campaign cash than Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill -- a fact that might shed as much light on McCaskill's plans as it does the Republicans' prospects. Campaign finance reports filed Friday with the state Ethics Commission show McCaskill's auditor campaign committee had $68,578 on hand as of the end of June. Republican state Rep. Jack Jackson of Wildwood reported $70,251 on hand. Republican state Sen. John Loudon of Ballwin reported $109,759 on hand.

-- From wire reports