ST. LOUIS (AP) - Several state lawmakers have been targeted by hackers who posted messages on at least two legislators' Facebook pages that they love getting free gifts from lobbyists.
Three Republican and one Democratic state House member, and one Republican staff member have reported that their Facebook have been hacked.
It is unclear how the accounts were accessed, but it may have been over a free wireless network at the state House that visitors, staff members and lawmakers use.
On Jan. 21, a hacker posted a message on freshman Republican Rep. Donna Lichtenegger's personal Facebook page that read: "I love lobbyists! All the free food and stuff you get. This job is awesome!"
Lichtenegger, R-Jackson, said she generally uses her Facebook page to post a weekly update about her work in the Capitol. She said that she normally uses the House's secured Internet connection but logged on through a public wireless connection for the state House on the day her Facebook page was changed.
Another first-term Republican lawmaker said his Facebook page was changed to praise free gifts from lobbyists. Rep. Dave Schatz, of Sullivan, said he suspects someone gained access to the account through the wireless network.