COOK, HANCOCK RACE ALREADY DRAWING INTEREST

Even under a $300 campaign contribution limit, both candidates have compiled impressive warchests for a secretary of state's race, which, because of controversy in the office, shapes up to an interesting contest.

Incumbent Bekki Cook, the Democratic candidate, reported raising more than $301,000 in 1995, while Republican challenger John Hancock reported bringing in more than $241,000.

Despite lagging behind Cook, Hancock already has surpassed the amount of money he raised in 1992, when he lost to Democrat Judith Moriarty by 1 percent of the vote. Hancock raised a little more than $200,000 for that race.

"I'm delighted," Hancock said. "It's been a world of difference between '96 and '92. I think I had about $12 in the bank in January of '92."

Fund-raising efforts for all candidates for state office are on hold until June under a campaign that prohibits donations when the Missouri General Assembly is in session. Hancock feels he is in good shape until fund-raising resumes.

"To have received such overwhelming support so early in the campaign sends the strongest possible signal that Missourians desire change in the secretary of state's office," Hancock said.

Cook, a Jackson native and Cape Girardeau resident, has challenged Hancock to voluntarily adhere to contribution limits recently thrown out by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court. The law allowed candidates for statewide office to accept no more than $300 per person. The state is appealing the ruling.

"I firmly believe that contribution limits should be a part of our political process," Cook said. "For us to truly reform government we must start by reducing the impact of money on our political process. That process works best when the people elected to public office are supported financially by a broad, grassroots base, not a handful of people representing special interests."

Hancock said he will "wait and see until the court situation is resolved" before making a decision. Like Cook, Hancock had been campaigning under the assumption of a $300 cap.

Hancock disputes the idea that special interests are paying a big role in the race. He said 97.8 percent of his support comes from individuals and small businesses with only 2.2 percent from political action committees.

More than 1,600 people have contributed to the Hancock campaign, while Cook claims nearly 2,000 contributors.

"The contribution limit of $300 for statewide candidates just means we have to ask more people to give us money," Cook said. "What's wrong with candidates for public office having to take their message to more citizens and ask them to support their campaigns?"

Recent controversy in the office has drawn more attention -- including increased contributions -- than normal to the race, Hancock said. Moriarty was ousted in 1994 for wrongdoing and Cook, appointed by the governor to replace her, infuriated Republicans when she helped Speaker Bob Griffin fight back a GOP challenge while temporarily presiding over the House of Representatives.

"I think the secretary of state's race in 1996 will without a doubt be the most interesting secretary of state's race that Missouri has seen in half a century," Hancock said.