The Cape Girardeau race

Two names familiar to readers of the Southeast Missourian will be getting considerable exposure across Missouri in the weeks leading up to the November general election, thanks to a statewide race in which both primary-election winners are from Cape Girardeau.

Bekki Cook and Peter Kinder will represent the Democratic and Republican parties in the race for lieutenant governor.

There are similarities between the two candidates other than their Cape Girardeau County roots. Both are lawyers. Both have political records that speak well of their abilities. Both are highly regarded within their political parties. And both have demonstrated a special knack for leadership under intense public scrutiny.

Cook was appointed secretary of state in 1994 by Gov. Mel Carnahan -- a surprise to many because she had never held public office and had not sought the post. Her task was to restore order to and confidence in a state office badly shaken by the impeachment of Judi Moriarty, who had been elected secretary of state in 1992. Cook's efforts focused on the speedy delivery of high-quality services to businesses throughout Missouri. Her efforts, largely successful, earned Cook's election to a full term in 1996. She chose not to seek re-election in 2000.

Kinder has long been active in politics and was first elected to the Missouri Senate in 1992. By the time Republicans took control of the Senate a few years ago, Kinder was chosen to assume the top leadership position as president pro tem, a post he continues to hold until his current term expires. As president pro tem, Kinder has focused on changes in Senate operations that reflected half a century of Democratic control. In the process, more than $1.5 million was cut from the Senate's annual operating budget. And the Senate staff was reduced 21 percent.

Now Cook and Kinder are following the campaign trail that will lead them to big cities and small towns all over Missouri. They have an opportunity to show voters how a well-run campaign can be conducted by emphasizing their positive records and clearly defining their goals and aspirations as the No. 2 elected official in the state.

It will be an interesting race -- not just for Southeast Missouri, but for the whole state.