Missouri Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill hasn't even been sworn in yet, but she's already creating controversy by seeking an exemption from federal contribution limits to take advantage of a new Missouri state law that would help her more easily recoup the $1.6 million she loaned her 2004 gubernatorial campaign.

The new Missouri law, which is being challenged in court, lifted contribution limits altogether effective January 1, 2007, so McCaskill would be able to raise the entire $1.6 million - which would go straight back into her pocket - in a few large chunks or even in one very "generous" contribution from an individual or a political action committee. Federal law restricts contributions to McCaskill to $2,100 from individuals and $5,000 from PACs.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Missouri law gives candidates 18 months to repay campaign loans, and since this one is already nearly three years old McCaskill has gotten creative to keep it on the books, thus giving her a chance of getting the money back someday. In 2005 she transferred the $1.6 million loan from her gubernatorial committee to her State Auditor committee, which restarted the 18 month clock. Last month she restructured her State Auditor committee into a "debt service" committee, resetting the clock again.

The FEC can take up to 60 days to decide whether or not to grant Senator-elect McCaskill the exemption.