By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri State Senators on Thursday voted to confirm an appointee to the state's highway commission who made a big contribution to Governor Matt Blunt's campaign.
The Senate agreed to Blunt's appointment of Rudolph Farber on a 27-5 vote after about an hour of discussion. Democrats questioned whether there was a connection between the $50,000 contribution and his appointment a couple of weeks later.
Farber and Blunt deny any connection; the powerful commission decides how state road money is spent.
Farber is Republican from Neosho and chairman of the board of Community Bank and Trust. He has usually favored Republicans with his political contributions, but he also has contributed to some Democrats.