Missouri State Rep. Jeff Grisamore uses the death of his infant daughter to ask for campaign cash

Dear David,

I saw your article online and in print and have received calls and e-mails on it. As I said during the interview that I granted you in my office at the Capitol when you confronted me last week—with no notice—you are, no doubt, a good writer. Like a colleague in the House who knows you said, you ought to be writing for a bigger paper. For a Pitch article, which is known for being alternative and on the edge, I thought you were pretty fair and balanced and quoted me very accurately.

While some of my Republican colleagues (Democrats too) and friends have been the target of outright hit pieces by the Pitch and were grossly misrepresented, I thought you would be more fair and reflect the genuineness of my passion to fight for the disabled after our 30 to 40 minute interview.

I think you did bring out the sincerity of my motives to advocate for the disabled that is inspired by my daughter who died. During the year we had with her, it is as if time stood still. She required 24/7 around the clock care with oxygen, monitors and alarms by the bedside. But, as my oldest son said, who was 12 when she died, it was the best year of our lives when we had Rebekah with us—perhaps the hardest, but the best.

I could never have comprehended losing a child—and still can’t. After Rebekah died, a man who lost his daughter gave me some wise advice—what he was told by another many who lost a daughter too—that you can fall into bitterness and pull everyone around you down with you or rise up and make your life a memorial and tribute to your child that died.

During the year we had with Rebekah—for which we hoped would be a lifetime—we experienced just a little of what families with special needs children go through and it does, as you wrote, “inform” my passion for what I do now for them in the Missouri House and will continue to do to fight, advocate and legislate for the disabled.

I would offer a few observations in response to your article. First, let’s remember the context. You received a forward of an e-mail that I sent to four trusted allies in the disabilities community whom I work with for the disabled. They wanted to forward out a letter to their family and friends in the disabilities community. Someone who received that e-mail obviously forwarded to the Pitch.

Secondly, I would submit that your article took my letter out of context. You quoted my letter as saying, "Fighting for individuals with disabilities — especially children — and their families is my highest priority. This passion is driven by our 7th child, Rebekah, who died November 26th, 2002 from complications of Prader-Willi Syndrome at 11 months and 18 days."

I, and many in the disabilities community, who take strong exception with the article (and I hope the Pitch will publish their responses), do not at all see my above quote as “connecting my request for money to the death of my daughter” as your headlines in print/online and the article imply. I would see doing so as inappropriate and am careful as to when and how I mention Rebekah. The only reason I included her picture in the e-mail is because the Kansas City Star had told me that same day I wrote and sent the e-mail that her story would be on the cover of their Sunday edition the next day—on March 30th.

What I was doing is simply sharing that the basis of my passion for the disabled is driven by my disabled daughter—period. I would have wanted anyone who might receive that forward to understand my genuineness and sincerity—that I am not simply some stereotypical politician telling them what they want to hear to get money, but that I am passionate and driven for the disabled from personal experience.

As you quoted, “to continue my fight for the disabled and their families, I need to raise significant funds for my re-election” and it is a “reality of politics that in order to be re-elected, you’ve got to raise money.” The four allies for the disabled that received my e-mail—three of which have developmentally disabled children and one a grandchild—forwarded my letter out with a cover letter from themselves. We would have thought the recipients would be more trustworthy than as to forward the e-mail to the Pitch. Oh well. I am glad you got the story. I think others would have been far less fair.

As I told you, I love public service and disdain politics. I refuse to exercise the luxury some of my colleagues from both parties do of receiving tens of thousands from special interests. I would rather receive 1000 $30 contributions from grassroots in the disabilities communities—thereby giving them a stronger influence in Jeff City—than to receive 100 checks for $325 from special interest. The most meaningful contributions we ever received in my non-profit work were not the six-figure donations, but the 50 cents a month for nearly 20 years received faithfully from a single woman with disabilities—like the widows mite.

Where I think the real crassness and exploitation in this story may have happened is when the Pitch editors chose to sensationalize your storyline with a headline to “hustle” papers at the expense of my daughter’s death and my public service. I often share her story—whether encouraging organ donation for lifesaving transplantation or research or for the disabled—because it honors her and impacts my hearers and readers and helps them understand my personal experience and passion for those issues.

The only big disappointment in your article is quotes attributed from an autism advocate and constituent as saying I refuse to meet with that group unless the event is held in public and that I take credit for the work they are doing and that everything I do is to further my political career. I have devoted multiple meeting and countless hours to meetings with that person and their group.

Many others in the autism and disabilities community knows those assertions and mischaracterizations you attributed to that person are not at all accurate. I have met with that person and group multiple times—at the Capitol more than once, repeatedly three or more times in area restaurants and at a church where they meet, and have communicated with them by phone and e-mail as well as in education forums—dozens of hours in all.

The input I have received from them has influenced the three autism related bills I have filed this year—two of which are being heard in the health care policy committee this Tuesday. Many other autism and disabilities advocates and groups I work with are greatly dismayed by this and understand that no Missouri legislator is more pro-active on autism and special needs than me—and I am just getting started.

As far as your words of wisdom to consider Ann Coulter’s slams on John Edwards talking about his son who died, I would not view Edwards honoring his son’s memory as politicizing like Glenn Beck implies Cindy Sheehan did. In either case, I would guess neither Ann Coulter or Glenn Beck—nor the Pitch editors—have ever lost a child like John Edwards, Cindy Sheehan or I have. If they had, they might not be so crass and disrespectful themselves. But, Ann Coulter sells books and the Pitch “hustles” newspapers.

Apart from the disappointment in the article, I thought you did a pretty good—fair and balanced—job. It would be tempting to become angry at the Pitch for exploiting my daughter's death, but I realize the Pitch has done much worse against others, and--as public servants--we are often the targets of such misprepresentations. So, write on David.

Jeff Grisamore

As a mother of a beautiful little girl with a disability, I would like to thank Representative Grisamore for being such a powerful advocate on behalf of my daughter and all of my friends in the disability community. Representative Grisamore has noticed the need for change when in comes to the disability community and is acting on it.

I have never felt he was "using his daughter's death" to further his career. To me, he does what he does to carry on her legacy. She is the reason for his passion. Unless you have a child with a disability, there is no way that you can possibly understand all that come with raising them. May be he only had a short while with his beautiful daughter Rebekah, but in that small amount of time, Rebekah touched his entire family in a way no one ever could and changed them forever. Spend an hour caring for a child with a disability and your view on what it takes to raise a child with a disability will change forever. You will find a new appreciation for it and it will move your very soul.

Parents in the disability community are very passionate. We have to be. We have to be the voice of our children. We have to fight for everything for our children. Many of us are overstressed and under supported. Finally, we have someone who hears us and understands us. Finally, we have someone who has lived it who can relate and can educate those on both sides of the isle about the demands our families face. Our children deserve what any other typical child does. Our children deserve the ability to meet their education needs, to have their medical needs covered, to be respected just as anyone else in the community. Representative Grisamore sees that and is helping to do whatever he can while he is in office to change that.

Representative Grisamore has opened his office to his constituents and beyond. He is working with us to make change. And change takes time. That is why he has asked for support. He wants to continue the work he is doing for our children.

Every time we have met with him he takes notes about our experiences. He doesn't push us out of his office because he has too much to do. He spends whatever time is necessary to hear our stories. He emotionally connects with our experiences because he has lived them himself. If you don't think 11 months and 18 days are enough to truly understand the complexities of raising a child with a disability and to be touched by the beauty of a child with a disability, then you are wrong. He listens and understands. He then takes our stories and experiences and shares them with other legislators, and is attempting to push the envelope on behalf of our children. He is taking a risk at doing what he is doing. Personally, I take my hat off to him. I'm positive he is getting heat in a lot of places in Jefferson City, yet he continues to stand strong and fight for all of our children.

I absolutely will support him for office because he is working hard for change. As parents, we can't do this alone. We need someone in Jefferson City who will fight for our children and I believe that person is Representative Grisamore.

Representative Grisamore, I thank you for the countless hours you have spent with us and for the time you spend everyday you walk the halls in Jefferson City being our voice. Your are an honorable man.

Amy Brockelmeyer

I sent this tonight in response to the article. I am just sickened by the article. I have asked other to write as well. If we can bombard them with letters maybe they will get the truth.
As a parent of 3 children with disabilities I feel so blessed to have Representative Grisamore representing the 47th district. Over the years I have developed relationships with many previous legislators. While they have all been willing to listen to my concerns as a parent of a child with disabilities none have tried to do as much as Representative Grisamore has during his time in Jefferson City. It is clear to me that having Rebekah in his life has given him the drive and passion for people with disabilities. Until you have experienced the life of raising a child with a disability you can not possibly imagine the physical, emotional and financial stress it causes on a family. It is for that reason that Representative Grisamore get's it and is willing to advocate for those that can not advocate for themselves.

On March 29, 2008 I had the opportunity to visit with Representative Grisamore, Representative Yates and Representative Krause in Jefferson City. I was very appreciative of their time especially of Grisamore and Yates who spent more than 1 1/2 hours with us. I found out later that they not only supported us but they went against the party vote and acquired an additional $2 million dollars of special education services for the home and later the next week acquired an additional $2.5 million for early childhood special education. As you know our system is under funded for special needs children whether it be at home or school and I really believe that we have three strong advocates with us for this great cause. They truly are advocates for those with disabilities. I have an open door policy with them and feel they are willing to hear my opinions and not only be attentive but productive as we work together to help families of children with disabilities in Missouri. I can not thank them enough for their service and dedication to our children. I would be happy to support each one with re-election if I could.

I really wish The Pitch would target the many individuals and businesses that so often discrimate and exclude those with disabilities instead of spending their time writing articles that put a legislator working hard to improve services for those with disabliities. I have a son with a disability and am forever thankful to Reprsentative Grisamore and others that make disability issues their priority. When you have a child with a disability you rely on policymakers to create laws and make decisions to improve services for those with disabilities. Representative Grisamore has spent his time in Jefferson City advocating and educating fellow legislators so that changes can be made in Missouri for those with disabilities.

I stand by my comments. I just spoke with Representative Grisamore on Saturday and he was asking me to send him more information so that he could write more bills. I recently ran for school board and my platform was special education. My only issue was the education that our children are not getting. It was the perfect opportunity to help children with special needs. Representative Grisamore didn't help at all with my campaign. When I asked him why he said that I didn't ask.

I recently had an event at Beauchamp's and Representative Grisamore found out about it. When I found out that he was coming I asked him to not use this night as a night to campaign. He didn't respond to my email and he went from table to table talking about Rebekah and campaigning. I told him that night that my campaign could use help. Here is what I wrote to him.

"I'm glad to see that you plan to come to dinner and support the Autism Alliance. It is a worthy cause. Will your whole family be attending? It will be a nice evening out for the family. The event is from 6:30-9:30. Folks are coming and going as they please. There is no certain time to be there. Hopefully the place will be full, but the wait shouldn't be too long. It will be dinner as usual, but with a smaller menu. That way it will be easier for the staff to get people in and out. There isn't going to be a formal meeting or time for speaking. We will just be serving food and giving a portion of the proceeds to charity. The Alliance will be signing people up for the walk and Royals tickets.

I sure could have used your help with my campaign to help children with special needs in the Lee's Summit district. As you know, that's how I ran my campaign and I have gotten slammed a lot. There haven't been a lot of public officials willing to stand up for our kids and I feel like the campaign could have been better if people weren't so afraid of standing up for what is right instead of standing with the majority. But, I feel like I have done what I know is right in my heart and that I can sleep at night knowing that I didn't let the administration beat me into being silent. At least I got the message out that Lee's Summit is not doing a good job with special needs. Even if everyone says that those kids just don't matter.

We are going to have some celebrities at our event. They are mostly from the Chiefs and Royals. I'm so pleased that we were able to get some faces that folks will recognize. It will really help out the Alliance.

See you on Thursday."

In response to the above comments under number six, I am disappointed to read Sherri Tucker stands by her comments in the article. The many other autism groups, advocates and service providers know the sincerity of my passion to fight and advocate for children with autism and their families and those who care for them. This is my highest legislative priority and I am currently sponsoring three bills on autism.

To read that Mrs. Tucker "stands by her comments" that I have refused to meet with them was thoroughly rebutted in my 1st comment above. To read that those I have worked so hard to serve think "everything I do is to further my political career" is indeed disappointing.

I told Sherri that I have been "helping her by working 18 hours a day in Jefferson City to pass autism legislation since January." I also told her I would be e-mailing various autism groups as we continue to work on legislation, especially related to IEPs.

While I have gained much inspiration to advocate for Autism through the multiple meetings and hours I have spent with Sherri Tucker's autism support group, the three bills I am sponsoring did not come from them. Two of them are recommendations of the Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel and the other autism bill on education was developed in collaboration with educators.

Concerning the event at Beauchamps, I received an invitation to the event at my Capitol office and was eager to attend to show support for the autism community that we are working so hard to serve in Jefferson City. I was not told anything about not using the night to campaign and would not have--and did not do so. The election is seven months away. I am workind day and night to serve my constituents and, especially, those in the autism communities.

I have thoroughly responded to Sherri's e-mail that I received after that event and she received before writing the above post. During the event at Beauchamps, I did not "go from table to table talking about Rebekah and campaigning."

What I did do was talk to Bill Regan, a friend I know through mutual friends and Langsford Boys Home at one table, talked to Chase, a reporter from the Journal, who wanted to ask me some questions, and said hi to other friends I knew at another table, then spent the rest of my time there sitting at one table with Mike Allen and others who I know through EFECT (Encouraging Families with Exceptional Children Together). My campaign and Rebekah were not discussed.

It is very sad to be be so grossly and repeatedly misrepresented in a public forum like this by those I have worked so hard to serve. However, I can assure you this, no matter how much misrepresentation and antagonism I experience from a few in the autism community, I will continue to fight and advocate for children with autism and their families and those that care for them and am encouraged by how many groups in the greater autism community support our efforts on their behalf in Jefferson City.

We had a very encouraging hearing and press conference today on my autism insurance bill (HB 2265) and the NBC Today Show was here to film all of it for a story they are doing on Molly Schad, who was featured with her son with autism in a cover story in yesterday's St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Diagnosis of a loved one with a condition or disease can inspire family members to lead efforts for further research and/or to improve the lives of those enduring difficult challenges. Representative Jeff Grisamore and his wife experienced both the birth of a child with a disability as well as Rebekah's untimely death. Their heartfelt decision of organ donation is a continuing contribution for medical research. Bringing awareness of the importance of organ donation is to be commended. Those who critique the grief of parents having lost a child are presumptuous and unkind.Grisamore's intention to work on behalf of ALL disabled might sometimes be overshadowed by those who differ in how best to achieve common goals. Ms. Tucker's comment of being 'put off' by the frequency with which Grisamore talks about Rebekah and the mention of her name at a rally for Disability Rights Day in Jefferson City is petty. We should all be working to raise awareness of the need for more funding for the entire disabled community. Hundreds of disabled persons remain on waiting lists for day programs, respite care, transportation, etc. These people and their families are the ones entitled to feel “put off”.
Legislators are known to support agendas of many organizations such as Right to Life, Pro Choice, NRA, AARP, NEA and Chamber of Commerce. We are naïve to think members of such organizations do not financially contribute to the reelection of legislators who advocate their particular cause. The developmentally disabled community is not represented by wealthy, influential organizations. It is represented by families, care givers, advocates, self advocates and Representative Grisamore. Seeking support for his reelection is warranted. Some people can find fault no matter how the request is made. The needs of children and adults with disabilities are being brought to the attention of legislators of both political parties by Grisamore. A more worthy public service career cannot be found when serving our most vulnerable citizens: the chosen career of Representative Jeff Grisamore.

Dear David,

I read this article and shake my head. I've had the honor of meeting Representative Grisamore, and I am totally impressed with his compassion. I am a 39 year old single Mom with Cerebral Palsy. I also have two sons with autism, ages 14 and 11. I am not in Representative Grisamore's district. During our visit, I offered to wait in the waiting room while the people in our group went in to talk with him. Representative Grisamore was gracious and kind enough to invite my sons and myself in to sit and visit with him. He could've very easily said, "Sorry, you're not in my district, so I don't have time for you." He did NOT do that. After speaking with others in my group, he looked me straight in the eye and asked, "What are your concerns? How can I help you and your sons?" That totally blew my mind away.

As for Representative Grisamore speaking about his daughter, he does that for a VERY important reason. He is trying help us see that he has walked in our shoes. Ok, so let's look at this a different route. Here is my example, Let's say you are the founder of a Cerebral Palsy support group. Ok, now the new "rules" say you cannot ever speak about your child who has Cerebral Palsy. Ummm, excuse me, how are the other parents with children with Cerebral Palsy ever going to see that you have a clue about what Cerebral Palsy is if you NEVER can speak about your own child with Cerebral Palsy?? Representative Grisamore, I thank you for sharing your daughter's story over and over again. It does drive home to the people with disabilities that you are in the same boat with all of us.

Kelly R. Knosby
Lone Jack, MO

I live in Jeff Grisamore's district. We have spoken to Representative Grisamore on several occasions including the countless hours meeting with parents at Atlanta Bread (2x), our meeting place at Legacy Christian Church and at Dairy Queen. Our issues in the school district after his 2 years of serving as our Representative, have not changed. What is different in Lee's Summit at this time? We were told we would have round table discussions with the Governor, with the Superintendent and LSR7 staff that make Special Education decisions. We have never heard anything more about this. We were told that he was going to work on a pilot program here in Lee's Summit regarding Autism. We have heard nothing from Jeff until we went looking to him for answers. The families that are having problems in the school district want answers about where Jeff Grisamore is at helping them? What can he do for Special Education? We are pleased that Rep. Grisamore is pushing for Health Insurance Coverage for Autism and is working on other Autism Related work. He is an active and strong advocate for children with Autism and of children with various disabilties.

Blue Blog Exclusive: Jeff Grisamore Funded By The Predatory Loan Industry AND Lobbyists
State Representative Jeff Grisamore (R-Lee's Summit) is facing a tough uphill re-election bid this year. Sources inside the Republican circles tell us that Grisamore is lazy at fundraising and is just not liked by fellow Republicans. He also lacks name recognition. This may explain why he has resorted to massive funding from the Pay Day Loan Industry: THIS QUARTER GRISAMORE TOOK OVER $2,000 FROM THE PAY DAY LOAN INDUSTRY.

THAT EQUATES TO OVER 40% OF HIS TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED THIS QUARTER AND MORE THAN HE RAISED LAST QUARTER TOTAL! A Blue Reader from inside Grisamore's district also pointed out that since Grisamore has taken office, there have been at least 3 or more Pay Day Loan Shark companies that have opened inside his district!!

Grisamore's endorsement of the Pay Day Loan Industry is sad and out of touch with average Missouri voters.

By taking dollars at such high levels from the Pay Day Loan Sharks, Grisamore is endorsing the use of 400% interest rates on small dollar loans to working class Missourians and residents of Lee's Summit.

By refusing to regulate this industry he is approving the flooding of communities by predatory loan companies searching for struggling mothers, students and neighbors. It is because of guys like Grisamore, Missouri is now one of the top in the nation for profits by predatory loan companies to the tune of over $300 million dollars last year alone.

Spread the word and demand Jeff Grisamore answer for his endorsement of this industries unethical practices.

Committee: CITIZENS FOR JEFF GRISAMOREReport Date: 4/15/2008
A. ITEMIZED CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM COMMITTEES REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT, OR FROM PERSONS GIVING MORE THAN $100 TO A COMMITTEE.
Committee
Name, AddressAnd Occupation
Date Received- - - - -AggregateTo Date
Amount ReceivedMonetary orIn-Kind

No
QC Holding, Inc. 9401 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 1500 Overland Park, KS 66210
01/18/2008- - - - -0
$325.00Monetary
Yes

Missouri Freedom P.O. Box 1792 Jefferson City, MO 65102
03/04/2008- - - - -0
$325.00Monetary
No
Checks into Cash Missouri, Inc. P.O. Box 550 Cleveland, TN 37364
02/25/2008- - - - -0
$325.00Monetary
No
Advance America 135 N. Church Street Spartanburg, SC 29306
02/25/2008- - - - -0
$325.00Monetary
No
The 409 Group, Inc. (address not provided)
02/25/2008- - - - -0
$325.00Monetary

-------------Lobbyists----------------------------------

(Lobbyist for Pay Day Loan QC Financial Services)
John Bardgett & Associates 16141 Swingley Ridge Road, #110 Chesterfield, MO 63017
02/08/2008- - - - -0
$325.00Monetary
No

(Former Lobbyist for numerous Predatory Loan Companies)
James R. Moody & Associates 417 E. High Street Jefferson City, MO 65102
03/03/2008- - - - -0
$150.00Monetary

http://blogccp.blogspot.com/search/label/Grisamore

We all know about conflicts of interest; our mommas taught us to avoid them. You can't be in charge of the cookie jar and be dipping into it. That is, however, exactly what Jeff Grisamore is doing. According to KC Blue Blog and the St. Louis Post Dispatch, when Blunt announced that he was going to start giving state monies to churches to do the state's social services, Rep. Grisamore was at Blunt's side. Frequent readers of this blog will know I am not ashamed of my religion, but sure don't want my politics and religion mixed.

Grisamore makes $120,000 a year as president of the Alliance for Orphans and Widows (sounds like a really good cause). If you go to their website, don't expect much, its under construction. The conflict of interest arises when Grisamore sponsored legislation so the faith based organizations could get payed to do the state's social services work. The Bill is HB 888 and establishes the Faith-Based Organization Liaison Act.

Now, the ethics problems arise. Go to Jeff's political website and his address is listed as 305 S.W. Market Street. Go to the web site of the Alliance for Orphans and Widows and its address is, you guessed it, 305 S.W. Market Street. It gets even better, the two organizations share a phone number, too. 816-225-5695. At this point, it kinda gets sad. Representative Grisamore pays for the phone number out of campaign funds, according to his most recent MEC filing.

Don't mix politics and religion. Rep. Grisamore, please give one up (preferably, not God). Either it is a political office or a non-profit office (the website says they are in critical need of tax deductible contributions). It can't be both for you to keep your 501(c)3) status.


Rep. Jeff Grisamore (47th) is weak on public education. He can co-sponsor a resolution calling for early childhood education, but falls short after that.

Rep. Grisamore represents much of Lee's Summit. I have many friends in Eastern Jackson County and they love their public schools. The Republicans in Jefferson City sure aren't helping out Lee's Summit's schools. Grisamore told the Missouri State Teachers Association he wanted to find sustainable funding for public schools. What has he done - nothing!! The Federal Government has said Missouri Schools are failing under No Child Left Behind. The Lee's Summit Journal has written about the difficulty in Lee's Summit schools complying with MAP tests and No Child Left Behind. The Lee's Summit School District's own web site discusses the confusion regarding the district receiving a less than desirable rating under No Child Left Behind.

The funding of public schools in Missouri and Lee's Summit is so dire that a new bond issuance was sought in Lee's Summit and this Q & A appears on the Lee's Summit web site.

Q: What percentage of the R-7 budget is funded by the state? How has this declined?

A: The impact of state losses on our local schools is apparent when examining the R-7 budget’s declining percentage of state funds. The Missouri Foundation Formula goal is to fund 50 percent of local school district operating budgets, although Lee’s Summit R-7 has never received close to 50 percent of its funding from the state. During the 1998-99 school year, state funding made up 35 percent of the R-7 operating budget. By the 2004-05 school year, state funding of R-7 schools dropped to 31 percent. Other categories of state aid appropriations have also been reduced significantly, impacting total state funding included in the R-7 budget. Across the state, the average percent of public school district revenue coming from state funding is almost 35 percent.

Grisamore has done little in Jefferson City, including ignoring his important work on the Environmental Committee and ignoring the Catholic church's call to restore Medicaid cuts to the poor and the sick children of our state. What has Grisamore done to improve funding from Missouri for Lee's Summit schools - nothing. He is a member of the majority party, so there is no excuses. Maybe we need a different party in the majority
The KC Blue Blog recently reported about Republican Jeff Grisamore's (R-Lees Summit) serious conflict of interest in sponsoring faith based initiatives in Missouri. Governor Blunt joined with Grisamore to stand at the pulpit of a church to sign a bill, not only grossly politicizing faith but potentially sending hundreds of thousands of dollars to groups that may benefit Grisamore.
It looks like it's getting worse.

As Blog CCP and Gone Mild reported--and subsequently followed up by a series of explanations at 2am from State Rep Grisamore that contradict themselves--the conflicts between Grisamore's "Faith based charity" company and his campaign/political life seem to cross hairs when it benefits him most.

Not only is Grisamore being provided a salary of $109,783 from this "small non-profit charity" with what appears to be another $109,000 allotted for discretionary spending in management and fundraising; but Grisamore also happens to share a phone line with his campaign and non-profit. They are the exact same.

Additionally, Grisamore's "small non-profit "charity"" (that happens to allot him possibly over $200,000 in personal gain) shares the exact same address as his campaign. Grisamore states that his campaign pays for one of the suites (which we are not finding in his ethics reports) while his company pays for the other suite. Yet, on page 21 of the tax reports his company claims to pay for the entire building and not just one suite?

Passing legislation for personal gain is grossly disgusting. Attempting to hide it behind the shield of poverty stricken children worldwide is even more pathetic. Grisamore claims that he needs the money because he has a large family (around 10 kids). Hiding behind the size of a family, to dodge conflicts of interest, is not right. Taking between $120,000 and $200,000 from a charitable organization that is supposed to go to the poor is not either.

We haven't even mentioned the fact that this is a non-profit meaning it attempts to get certain tax exempt status. Grisamore is also getting state health care and an additional $40,000 per year in taxpayer dollars as a state representative. He also stated in a comment on Blog CCP that he gets a company car as well.

How much money is he taking from taxpayers when you combine these things?

It appears as though Rep. Grisamore has found the ultimate way to live off taxpayers and other people, behind the claim of helping the poor.

The good people of Lee's Summit and Missouri deserve so much better than a man that lives the high life off others, gets rich on faith and attacks the morality of others such as his opponent in 2006 Rev. Tom Haley. Our understanding of that race was that Grisamore's campaign and the Missouri Republican Party attacked Rev. Haley in over the line personal ways.He also sent out an email asking for campaign donations from families that are affected by autism. He said that he didn't want to get money from special interest groups. Well, he is endorsed by the NEA and the School District. Those interests are pretty special to me.

Here is a portion of his "Urgent Request"

I urgently need your help. To continue my fight for the disabled and their families, I need to raise significant funds for my re-election this year. My ability to influence funding and services for the disabled for years to come is related to how much I can raise for my campaign.

March 31st is an important deadline, as April quarterly reports for campaign financial disclosures will show contributions received through March 31st. Any and all contributions that I can receive by March 31st will greatly help our cause of advocating for the disabled.

My goal is to raise up an army of grassroots supporters by the hundreds and thousands who will stand with me to fight for the disabled and give them a stronger voice in Jefferson City.

My passion driven priorities for the disabled is very innovative and ambitious, but I can't do it without your help. I need an army of grassroots supporters to stand behind my campaign so that I can raise enough funding to assume future chairmanships and leadership in the House.

Contributions of any amount up to and totaling $325 per person in the primary cycle (now through August 5th) and $325 in the general election cycle (8/6 through 11/4). Couples can give up to $650 now in two separate checks for $325. Children 14 and over can do the same.

For those who can't give that much, even $30 is helpful and just $3 can count you among our coalition for the disabled and make a statement as we mobilize an army of supporters to fight and advocate for individuals with disabilities.

I think Jeff has done courageous work in using his daughter's death for campaign money

Richards

Missouri Treatment Centers

To the writer of the piece on Grisamore I ask - do you have someone close to you, a child who is severely disabled? I doubt it or you would not be speaking so ignorantly! Taking care of someone you love and care for full time is a huge burden, it’s emotionally and mentally taxing to the point that many people quit, there is a very high divorce rate among families that care for disabled children. The fact that Mr. Grisamore uses his experience to help others in a circumstance that he CAN relate to is admirable not something that should bring a negative comment like yours. Many of those who are in need simply cry help, when no one answers they complain maybe, they become bitter, they give up on our system that does so little to help. Mr. Grisamore has done the opposite, he’s taken the bad circumstance in his life and tried to help others. I commend him! Those who ignorantly criticize his efforts are the ones who should keep silent.

David - Typical American idiot! If the people with disabilities and their families stayed out of the effort to support those with disabilities, there would be very few people involved in the effort. Yeah, we don’t like to hear personal stories about someone with a disability when it comes to actually doing something to help them, we want to push them aside and hide them – we don’t want to see it, we don’t want to feel like we might need to help. Typical! If some hear the truth about the huge need in caring for someone with a disability people might just be moved with compassion they might do the righ thing. So, yeah, let’s keep everyone who has anything to do with someone with a disability quiet and out of the picture, then maybe we’ll forget they are there. Maybe they’ll just die off and go away. What a crock!

Questions To Ask Jeff Grisamore

1. Are your children receiving free lunches?

2. Is is true that your wife is expecting again? Isn't Prader Willi a genetic disorder that is passed on from the father?

3. Did Bill Kenney pay for your house? Is is true that you don't have a mortgage?

4. Is is true that your charity is now going through a charity clearing house? Are there public records available to show what your charity revenues are and what salary you are being paid?

5. Did you vote against children with autism being able to go to a different school if their school was not doing it's job?

6. Have you demanded that the Lee's Summit school district start providing the services that children with special needs are federally guaranteed?

7. Did you ask to be on the Missouri Blue Ribbon Autism Panel and were told that NO Representatives were going to be on the Panel?

8. You stated that you were going to be on the Missouri Autism Commission. The list came out and you were not on it. Why not?

9. What is the name of the church that you were a minister at?

10. Have you ever worked for a public corporation? Does your resume only have charitable organizations for your employment?

11. Are you or have you received Medicaid for your family?

12. Did your charity provide your vehicle and boat? Are they still providing your vehicles?

He has never listed any occupation other than minister and charity work. He makes a six figure salary from his position in his charity. That is until he started using a "Christian" clearing house and no longer has to make public his donations. His charity also provided him with a car and a boat.

I have been told that his children receive free lunches and yet he insists that he understands the struggles of families. Really? How could you? You've never held a real job. You make money from a charity for widows and orphans. Your family has health insurance paid for by tax payers. Tax payers are paying for your children's lunches. And now you are having another child for the tax payers to support.

You reach out to families that have children with disabilities and tell them that you understand because you had a child with a disability. You never had to fight a school district for services for your child. You have no idea what our families go through and how dare you suggest that you do. Your daughter's death was a terrible loss and I truly feel a great deal of sympathy for your family. However, don't use your child to make others believe that you understand their struggles. You don't have a clue.

You have lied, manipulated, and scammed honest families into supporting you. You tell them that you will be their voice. You raise their hopes. Then you do nothing. You lie and tell them what you think that they want to hear. You are good. But, you're not that good. You leave trails and intelligent people are finding them.

I'm so disappointed that your smear campaign and lies have once again netted you a place in Missouri politics. It just goes to show that voters do a poor job of finding out the truth about their candidates. Hopefully in two years they will do a better job. They won't have all of the big elections to think about and they might actually do their homework and find out that all is not what it seems.