08/06/2008

By CHRIS BLANK  / Associated Press

Arnold Mayor Mark Powell's early lead narrowed Tuesday in a four-way Democratic state treasurer primary.

Powell, the Democrats' treasurer candidate in 2004, claimed just under one-third of the votes cast with about half of the state's voting precincts reporting. But Rep. Clint Zweifel, of Florissant, had narrowed the gap and was trailing by about 4,000 votes.

The race for the office vacated by incumbent Sarah Steelman, who is running for governor, has remained far from the political spotlight.

Powell is being challenged by Zweifel; attorney Andria Danine Simckes, of Creve Coeur; and former Kansas City mayor Charles Wheeler.

The winner will face Republican Sen. Brad Lager, of Savannah, who ran unopposed in Tuesday's GOP primary.

The treasurer is responsible for investing the state's money, serves as the custodian for state funds and holds unclaimed property. The office also administers a state college savings plan and manages special tax incentives for development-stage companies.

Each of the four Democrats have said they wanted to find ways to make the treasurer's office more directly relevant to Missourians.

Powell and Simckes have focused on promoting economic development. Powell called for investing money in local banks — making it easier for businesses to get loans and therefore expand.

Simckes said she wants to set up public-private partnerships for local hospitals and create a universal 401(k) plan that links Missouri's small businesses and employees into one joint pool to reduce costs. If elected, Simckes would become the first African-American to hold a statewide office in Missouri.

Zweifel, a three-term lawmaker, wants the state treasurer to be more vocal during legislative debates, advising lawmakers about the fiscal affects of policies they consider. For example, Zweifel said he would have warned against the 2005 Medicaid cuts because of the financial impact.

Wheeler, mayor of Kansas City throughout much of the 1970s, called for creating a higher education compact with surrounding states to control tuition.