Candidates for Missouri statewide office report raising about $2 million

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri candidates for statewide office reported collecting about $2 million in contributions for their campaigns during the final week of the recently completed fundraising quarter.

State campaign finance reports reviewed Tuesday show that many of the contributions were aimed at the Missouri governor race in 2012. Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon's campaign reported collecting about $900,000, and Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, who is expected to challenge Nixon, brought in about $435,000 over the same period.

The fundraising figures include loans and monetary and in-kind contributions of more than $500 that were received June 23 through June 30. In Missouri, statewide officials and candidates for those offices must report within 48 hours when they receive a campaign contribution from a single donor of more than $500 during the legislative session and when the governor is considering whether to sign or veto legislation. Full campaign finance reports offering more details about the candidates' finances from April through June are due to the Missouri Ethics Commission by July 15.

In the governor's race, Kinder reported receiving a $100,000 contribution from Missouri Leadership Committee, for which a former Republican state lawmaker is the treasurer. Kinder's campaign also received a $50,000 contribution from Herzog Contracting Corp in St. Joseph. Nixon's campaign reported it received a $100,000 contribution from a political committee for the United Auto Workers, and a $100,000 contribution from Michael Ketchmark, who is an attorney from the Kansas City-area.

Besides the governor's race, Attorney General Chris Koster reported collecting about $300,000 in contributions and Treasurer Clint Zweifel got about $35,000. Both are Democratic officeholders who are serving their first terms after winning statewide office in 2008. Among Koster's contributions was $75,000 from retired businessman and political activist Rex Sinquefield.

Republican House Speaker Steven Tilley, who plans to run for lieutenant governor, reported collecting $230,000 worth of contributions. Of that, $100,000 came from the Missouri Leadership Committee and $75,000 was from Sinquefield.

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Online:

Missouri Ethics Commission: http://www.moethics.mo.gov