Missouri treasurer race pits ex-lawmaker against diplomat

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A former state lawmaker and one-time U.S. diplomat are vying for the Democratic bid to become Missouri's next treasurer, a powerful check-writing position that serves as the custodian for state funds and is responsible for holding unclaimed property.

The winner between Judy Baker and Pat Contreras in the Aug. 2 primary will advance to the Nov. 8 general election against Republican state Sen. Eric Schmitt and Libertarian Sean O'Toole. Democrat incumbent Clint Zweifel is barred by state term limits from running.

The $108,000-a-year job also involves overseeing administration of a state college savings plan and manages special tax incentives for development-stage companies.

Baker, 56, from Columbia, served two terms in the Missouri House from 2005 to 2009, along the way losing to Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer in a 2008 race for a congressional seat. She then worked in President Barack Obama's administration as a regional director of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Baker, who in 2012 lost in a Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, has said that as treasurer she would create a yearly report card to illustrate for taxpayers how their money is being spent, bolster economic empowerment through incentives and improve Missourians' financial literacy by helping them learn about bank accounts, saving accounts and saving for retirement.

She most recently has been a private consultant on health-care information. Baker recently told St. Louis' KWMU she wants to start a savings account inmates can use when they are freed from prison, with the money to be used to pay outstanding court costs.

Seeking his first elective office, Contreras -- a 35-year-old Kansas City native and third-generation Mexican-American -- served as a diplomat under President Obama and his predecessor, George W. Bush.

If elected, the former appointee to a Kansas City-area task force meant to assist veterans in receiving benefits and services would press to ensure former military members have resources to succeed in business. Contreras also said he would establish a college savings program specifically for veterans' children.

On his campaign website, Contreras says "income inequality and a shrinking middle class are the most pressing economic issues in our lifetime." And touting his status as a political outsider, he adds "too much is at stake to let career politicians run the treasurer's office."