Cook amasses financial lead over primary foe

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Both contenders for the Democratic nomination as lieutenant governor enjoyed comparable fund-raising success during the last quarter, but Bekki Cook had about $100,000 more in the bank than rival Ken Jacob heading into the heart of campaign season.

Cook, a former secretary of state from Cape Girardeau, had $332,836 in her campaign account as of June 30, according to financial disclosure reports filed Thursday with the Missouri Ethics Commission. Jacob, of Columbia, and the Senate minority floor leader, listed $229,195 on hand.

Whichever Democrat prevails in the Aug. 3 primary, they will need to leave something in the war chest for the fall general election contest with likely Republican nominee Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau.

Kinder reported $410,079 in available campaign cash. His primary opponent, former state Rep. Patricia Secrest of Manchester, claimed just $19,128 on hand but $9,000 in debt.

During the reporting period spanning April through June, Cook raised $157,969, almost entirely from individuals. Only 7.6 percent of her cash donations, $11,950, came from interest groups. A mix of labor and business groups contributed most of those funds.

By contrast, interest groups provided Jacob with 42.3 percent of the money he raised in the last reporting period. Driven by strong labor backing and help from Democratic Party organizations, interest groups gave Jacob $58,425 of the $138,159 he collected.

Forty-six donors gave Jacob $1,200 each, the legal limit for a statewide race. Cook received 39 contributions for the maximum.

Kinder, to whom 61 donors gave the limit, had the strongest fund-raising quarter, bringing in $193,840. Interest groups, including Republican Party organizations, put up $42,500, or 21.9 percent of the total. Business and medical groups were among Kinder's core supporters.

Secrest collected $10,010 in cash donation, including one for the maximum.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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