In the world of politics, money often dictates priorities, and nowhere is this more evident than in the case of Missouri State Senator Rusty Black. While Black presents himself as a champion of rural communities and small businesses, a deep dive into his financial backing reveals a different story. His political agenda appears to be dictated not by the hardworking people of Missouri, but by the interests of major corporations funneled through the Great Northwest SuperPAC.
The Great Northwest SuperPAC: A Corporate Slush Fund
The Great Northwest SuperPAC is a powerful political action committee that has poured substantial sums of money into Rusty Black’s campaigns and political initiatives, with financial records showing contributions exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars from major corporate donors. Unlike grassroots organizations that rely on small-dollar donations from everyday Missourians, this PAC is overwhelmingly funded by large corporations and special interest groups. A review of campaign finance records shows that not a single small individual donor appears among its major contributors.
Among the biggest financial backers of the Great Northwest SuperPAC are Herzog Contracting Corp. (rail and construction industry, $250,000 total: $100,000 in one contribution, $150,000 in another), Evergy Metro, Inc. (energy sector, $10,000 total: $5,000 in one contribution, $5,000 in another), BNSF Railway Company (transportation and logistics, $4,000), Penn National Gaming (casino and gaming industry, $10,000 total: $5,000 in one contribution, $5,000 in another), and Comcast (telecommunications giant, $4,000 total: $2,000 in one contribution, $2,000 in another). These corporations have a vested interest in shaping policies that benefit their industries. Financial records show that Herzog Contracting Corp. alone contributed $250,000 in multiple installments, while Evergy Metro, Inc. contributed a total of $10,000, Penn National Gaming contributed $10,000, and Comcast contributed $4,000, ensuring their interests are prioritized in the Missouri State Senate.
Why Are These Corporations Investing in Rusty Black?
Corporations do not contribute large sums of money out of goodwill; they expect a return on their investment. Historical precedents, such as the influence of PACs in regulatory decisions, demonstrate that corporate donations often lead to legislative outcomes favorable to donors. The legislative history of Rusty Black shows a clear pattern: bills he sponsors or supports tend to align with the interests of his major donors, rather than benefiting Missouri’s middle class or small businesses.
Take Evergy Metro, Inc., one of Missouri’s largest electric utility companies. The corporation has been the subject of multiple lawsuits, including a class action over environmental contamination and another over retirement fund mismanagement. Yet, instead of pushing for stronger consumer protections or holding Evergy accountable, Black has supported legislation that would make it easier for utility companies to raise rates on consumers.
Herzog Contracting Corp., another major donor, specializes in rail construction and infrastructure projects. The company has a long-standing relationship with BNSF Railway, which was involved in a fatal train derailment in Mendon, Missouri. While many lawmakers pushed for stricter rail safety regulations, Black remained notably silent, raising concerns about whether his financial ties to Herzog and BNSF influenced his lack of action.
Penn National Gaming, a multi-billion dollar casino and gaming corporation, has also been a major contributor. Instead of advocating for small businesses and local economies, Black has supported policies that benefit large gaming entities at the expense of smaller, locally-owned operations.
An Agenda That Ignores the Middle Class
Despite branding himself as a legislator for rural Missouri, Black’s record suggests otherwise. His biggest policy pushes have not been about tax relief for small businesses, expanded healthcare access, or infrastructure improvements in rural areas. Instead, they have been aligned with corporate interests that fund his campaigns through the Great Northwest SuperPAC.
For example, HB 675, a bill Black supported, was touted as a way to help first-time business owners. However, upon closer examination, the bill primarily benefits large financial institutions that manage business savings accounts rather than directly assisting small businesses in Missouri. Similarly, SB 1371, which Black helped introduce, involves changes to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development—changes that appear to benefit corporate-backed workforce programs rather than Missouri’s students and teachers.
Follow the Money
The pattern is clear: Rusty Black’s political priorities follow the money, not the needs of everyday Missourians. Key legislative decisions, including deregulation efforts and corporate tax breaks, align with the interests of his wealthiest donors. The Great Northwest SuperPAC, fueled by massive corporate donations, ensures that Black remains a loyal advocate for big business while Missouri’s working-class families struggle to make ends meet.
With no substantial small-dollar donors supporting the PAC, it is evident that Black’s agenda is shaped entirely by those who write the biggest checks. For voters in Missouri, the question is clear—should a state senator be working for the people, or for the corporations funding his campaign?
When election season approaches, Missouri residents must demand accountability and transparency from their elected officials. Rusty Black’s financial entanglements with corporate giants should be a wake-up call for anyone who believes in a government that serves the people. Increased transparency, campaign finance reform, and public accountability are necessary to prevent the unchecked influence of corporate money in politics.
