BOOSTERS MEET COOK AT ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Ice cream and conversation were shared by supporters of Secretary of State Bekki Cook at a Capaha Park shelter Saturday afternoon.

Despite the rain, about 50 people donated $5 and chatted with Cook at the two-hour event sponsored by the Cape County Democrats.

Attendees besides Cook and her family included Cape Girardeau County Circuit Judge John Grimm, Circuit Clerk Charlie Hutson, former city manager J. Ronald Fischer, Rep. Joe Heckemeyer, D-Sikeston, and the governor's deputy chief of staff, Roy Temple, a Puxico native.

"This is exciting for us to have this representation of Southeast Missouri in a state office," said Rick Althaus, chairman of the county Democrats and coordinator of the social.

Althaus said the social provided a chance for area Democrats to root for their candidate. Since Cape Girardeau County has traditionally supported Republican candidates, he said, Cook's presence has been helpful to local Democratic supporters. "This gives our team a chance to really cheer for someone," he said.

Cook said the social gave her a chance to chat with old friends and catch up on news from home. Coming back to Southeast Missouri is "always a pleasure," she said.