[1](ST. LOUIS, Mo.) September 1st marks Day One of dove hunting season in Missouri this year.

Many Missourians who will be participating will have purchased their hunting license, something that would cost[2] a Missouri resident, now, between $5 and $18.

In 2007, says a spokeswoman for Congressman Russ Carnahan’s campaign, Ed Martin wanted to avoid those fees.

In an email to John Hoskins, Director of Conservation, in September 2007, Martin, then Chief of Staff to Governor Batt Blunt asked, “Does the Chief of Staff get a dove hunting permit as part of his position? I am hoping to go on Monday next.”

Hoskins emailed to Martin the next day, “I will take care of your needs in this regard.”

Aversion of those fees is illegal under state statutes[3].

“Ed Martin used his precious perch in the Governor’s office to illegally curry favors and if he was elected to Congress what will Ed Martin ask for next?” says Angela Guyadeen Communications Director for the Russ Carnahan in Congress Campaign. “Peddling your influence is a blatant abuse of public trust that can have criminal consequences.”