Today, at the Missouri Ethics Commission:

C091081 07/25/2012 MISSOURIANS AGAINST HIGHER UTILITY RATES Missourians for Low Energy Costs PO Box 1521 Jefferson City MO 65102 7/23/2012 $275,000.00

Against higher utility rates or for low energy costs? Decisions, decisions.

And they were doing so well before this latest infusion of cash:

C091081: Missourians Against Higher Utility Rates

Information Reported On: 2012 – July Quarterly Report

Beginning Money on Hand $434.21

Monetary Receipts + $0.00

Monetary Expenditures – $5.00

Contributions Made – $0.00

Other Disbursements – $0.00

Subtotal     ($5.00)

Ending Money On Hand   $429.21

[emphasis added]

That’s no typo.

So much for transparency.

Missourians for Low Energy Costs? Where have we seen that name?:

Missourians for Low Energy Costs Legal

Non-Profit Corporation – Domestic – Information

Charter Number: N01243043

Status: Good Standing

Entity Creation Date: 7/19/2012

State of Business.: MO

Expiration Date: Perpetual

Last Registration Report Filed Date:

Last Registration Report Filed: 0

Registered Agent

Agent Name: BCRA CO.

Office Address: 221 Bolivar Street, Suite 101

Jefferson City MO 65101

Yep, they’re a brand spanking new 501 (c)(4).

And, according to the paperwork at the Missouri Secretary of State’s office their incorporator is a Connie B. Walsh of St. Louis, Missouri.