ST. LOUIS — Looking for a bounce back year, the St. Louis Rams will enter the season with at least one successful completion under their belt.

Last week, the Rams — who begin regular season play Sunday in Seattle– gave $10,000 to Mayor Francis Slay’s campaign committee.

The donation may say just as much about Slay as the Rams.

Not only could the team use some civic support as it attempts to recover from a woeful 2008, but having the mayor on their side as the franchise looks for new owners doesn’t hurt.

It’s also worth noting that the Rams home, the Edward Jones Dome, is controlled by a panel that includes appointees of the mayor.

As for Slay, the donation — one of three large checks to come into his coffers in the last few weeks — emphasizes that Room 200 is in constant campaign mode, even if the next election is still four years away. (And that’s if he decides to seek a fourth term.)

It goes to show that money in politics is like points in football: No one has ever complained about having too much. Get it on the board when you can, even if it turns out you don’t need it later.