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Former Mo. Republican Speaker Donates To Democratic Gov. Candidate

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Former Missouri House Speaker Steve Tilley, a Republican, donated $7,500 to Democrat Chris Koster last night. Koster has made very clear his interest in the Governor's office.

What's more, the donation comes just a few days after Koster pledged to give $400,000 to Democrats running for legislative seats in the next four years.

Tilley is now a lobbyist, starting the Strategic Capitol Consulting firm, which represents numerous businesses. The former GOP leader still maintains his campaign committee though, and has an astounding $960,000 still in his control.

One of the biggest donors to Tilley's committee, Friends of Tilley, is libertarian billionaire Rex Sinquefield, who has given at least $275,000.

Tilley's donation to Koster drew the ire of Republican Senate President Pro Temp Tom Dempsey on Twitter.

Koster is a former Republican, and has received donations before from other conservatives.

Follow Chris McDaniel on Twitter@csmcdaniel