The NY Times today features an interesting look at disgraced GOP uber-lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and his time spent moonlighting as DC restauranteur [1].

But while it's interesting to learn that bilking Indian gaming clients [2] out of tens of millions of dollars doesn't take up so much time that it prevents confidence men like Abramoff from engaging in other ventures, there's another bit in the story that's of even more interest to Missouri readers. The piece explains:

In the restaurant's early months, a customer list noted who could dine for free, according to two former managers. A copy obtained by The New York Times shows handwritten notes next to 18 names - lawyers, lobbyists and eight current or former lawmakers - designating them as "FOO Comp," for friend of owner, or "A-Comp," for associate of owner....

Other lawmakers whose names carried the "FOO" notation include Republican Representatives Roy Blunt of Missouri and Frank A. LoBiondo of New Jersey, as well as former Senators John G. Breaux, Don Nickles and Tim Hutchinson.

Given Roy's friendship with a known crook like Abramoff, perhaps it's a little less difficult to explain why his Governor-son Matt would appoint a convicted thief [3] to serve as his administration's Director of Business Development.