Cook jumps back into political fray

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Four years after stepping out of the statewide political arena and settling into a relatively quiet life in Cape Girardeau, circumstances prompted Bekki Cook to get back in the game.

At this time last year, the former Missouri secretary of state had no intention of appearing on the ballot for any office in 2004. But when Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell, a fellow Democrat, unexpectedly dropped his bid for re-election citing his wife's poor health, Cook quickly jumped in the race.

"Lieutenant governor has always been an attractive office for me," Cook said. "Once I felt like I met the challenges of the secretary of state's office, that's what I really knew would be the office that I'd want to go for next."

Cook is going up against Senate Minority Floor Leader Ken Jacob of Columbia in the Aug. 3 Democratic primary for the office. Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau and former state Rep. Patricia Secrest of Manchester are vying for the Republican nomination. The primary winners will square off in the Nov. 2 general election.

In politics, four years out of the public eye can be an eternity. Yet within three weeks of announcing her candidacy in September, Cook had amassed more than $100,000 in campaign contributions. Clearly, supporters had not forgotten her.

"I was pleasantly surprised when I got that kind of amazing, instant 'We're back with you, Bekki' response from people, but it was wonderful," Cook said.

As the only candidate in the field to have ever run for -- let alone won -- statewide office, Cook touts her experience and reputation as an advantage.

During a recent campaign swing through Jacob's back yard of central Missouri, Cook's name recognition seemed to be a plus among core Democrats.

At a rally in Fulton, Lynn Pasley, a union carpenter who lives in rural Callaway County and works in Jacob's hometown, said he supports Cook because of her record as secretary of state.

"I like Ken also; he would be very capable," Pasley said. "But I think Bekki has a better rapport with most of the state."

At a Democratic picnic in Rolla, Polly Adkison also said she's strongly behind Cook because of her record in statewide office -- as well as her gender.

"It's going to be a good race, but I think Bekki will win it," Adkison said. "Call it woman power."

Cook, a Jackson native, was a working lawyer and member of the Missouri State Board of Education in December 1994 when she got a call from then-Gov. Mel Carnahan asking if she would accept appointment as secretary of state. The call followed the impeachment and ouster of Judi Moriarty for election law violations. Cook accepted and went on to be elected to a full four-year term in 1996. She opted not to run again in 2000.

Since her departure, state government has undergone a major transformation with Republicans taking over the Senate in 2001 and the House of Representatives two years later. The partisan acrimony that has become commonplace in the Capitol is one reason Cook is trying to make a comeback.

In the lieutenant governor's role as president and presiding officer of the Senate, Cook believes she can provide a calming influence when tempers get heated. Cook said professionalism has been lacking in the chamber in recent years.

"It may continue to lack on one or both sides, but it won't be because of me," Cook said.

She said her ability to foster cooperation with majority Republicans is in sharp contrast to Jacob's often combative style. Jacob frequently and effectively used his mastery of Senate rules to block Republican legislation he opposed, but his blunt tactics sometimes engendered ill will in the chamber.

"I know I would be able to advocate for the Democrats' position and end up farther down the road than the style that Ken advocates," Cook said.

Jacob has touted his Senate experience as an advantage over Cook. However, she noted legislative sessions last less than five months a year and that presiding over the chamber isn't the only duty of the office.

One key responsibility is acting as the state's official advocate for the elderly.

The lieutenant governor also serves on the Missouri Tourism Commission. Cook says her focus would be to encourage Missourians to vacation -- and spend money -- at home through better promotion of the recreational opportunities the state has to offer.

One reason she is seeking the post, Cook admitted, is to position herself for a possible run for the top job. Of course, a lieutenant governor is always one heartbeat away from taking over should tragedy ever strike a sitting governor.

"The sad fact is that if something like that ever occurs, you really do need to have somebody ready to step in," Cook said.

mpowers@semissourian.com

(573) 635-4608