Koster denies allegations of political favors

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster denied allegations Wednesday that he accepted thousands of dollars in campaign contributions in exchange for political favors.

A report published Wednesday by the New York Times says Koster halted an investigation into 5-Hour Energy after its lobbying firm donated money to his campaign. The caffeinated energy drink manufacturer was being investigated for allegations of deceptive claims in its advertisements.

Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones said he would look into options for launching an investigation into Koster's conduct.

Dickstein Shapiro, a Washington-based lobbying firm, represents 5-Hour Energy lobbying interests and maintains a relationship with AT&T and pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer.

The Times reported that AT&T was also under a multistate investigation for its billing practices.

Koster's office questioned the legal strategy of the multistate effort, but ultimately never backed out of the investigation.

Dickstein Shapiro and its lawyers collectively donated about $13,500 to Koster's campaign, according to ethics reports.

Pfizer directly donated more than $22,000 to Koster's campaign since 2009; AT&T has donated more than $27,000 in the last two years, according to campaign records.

Koster said in a statement Wednesday that the New York Times article "misrepresents the facts" and distorts events "to create an appearance of impropriety where none exists."

"Contrary to the inferences contained in today's New York Times article, this office reviews each case on its merits," Koster said in the statement. "We have taken legal action against Pfizer at least six times and have taken legal action against AT&T at least twice.

"Together, these cases have resulted in millions of dollars on behalf of Missouri consumers. Currently, Missouri is among the 44 states in the country that have not filed suit against 5-Hour Energy."

But Jones said in a statement Wednesday that Koster's actions appeared to be an "egregious violation" of public trust.

"Missourians expect and deserve public officials who will defend their rights and, in this case, protect them from the deceptive marketing practices of unscrupulous corporations," Jones said in the statement.

Jones called the "pay-to-play schemes" disturbing and said he would look into options for investigating the attorney general's alleged wrongdoing.