in november 1904, tom kinney was elected to the missouri state senate, representing his st. louis district. kinney was able to turn out a staggering number of votes at the polls for the candidates of his choosing, due to the muscle of the egan gang. kinney, despite his gangster roots, was known for creating landmark missouri legislation curtailing child labor and limiting women to working only eight-hour days. he also formed an alliance with louis lemp, a st. louis brewing magnate who proved a valuable ally for the senator.