Kinder still contemplating 2004 run for statewide office

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder had raised $20,300 through April 1 for a potential campaign for statewide office.

Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, is considering running for lieutenant governor or attorney general in 2004. He said he hadn't yet decided which office to seek or whether he will run at all.

"I'm not leaning either way," Kinder said, adding he will announce his decision after the Missouri Legislature adjourns for the year May 16.

Because of term limits, he is barred from seeking re-election to the Senate seat he first won in 1992.

Kinder formed an exploratory campaign committee Jan. 29 and collected nearly half of his total contributions on that day. He hadn't received any donations since March 6, according to the campaign finance disclose report he filed Tuesday with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

After spending most of his money on fund-raising expenses and statewide polling, Kinder was left with just $47.11 in the bank.

If he decides to challenge Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell, a Democrat, Kinder has significant ground to make up on the fund-raising front.

Maxwell reported $179,656 in cash on hand. He had raised $128,020 during the latest reporting period, which covers Jan. 1 through April 1.

In terms of financing, the gulf is less wide, though still significant, between Kinder and Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon.

After raising $38,200 during the last period, Nixon was left with $86,464 in the bank.

mpowers@semissourian.com

(573) 635-4608

WHO GAVE WHAT

Itemized contributions to Peter Kinder's statewide exploratory campaign committee Missourians for Kinder through April 1 Listed are donor, city of residence and amount:

Marvin and Donna Proffer, St. Louis, $250; Brent Hemphill and Associates Inc., Jefferson City, $150; David Klarich, Valley Park, $250; McCarthy Group, Chesterfield, $1,175; Associated Industries of Missouri, Jefferson City, $250; AT&T Missouri/Kansas, Jefferson City, $250; MLPGA, Jefferson City, $250; Missouri School Boards Association, Columbia, $250; Missouri Insurance Coalition, Jefferson City, $250; Missouri Petroleum Marketers Association, Jefferson City, $1,000; Monsanto, St. Louis, $2,500; Missouri Council of School Administrators, Jefferson City, $250; Larus Corp., St. Louis, $1,000; Missouri Medical PAC, Jefferson City, $1,125; Dealers Interested in Government, Jefferson City, $1,175; Friends of Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, $200; AGC of St. Louis, St. Louis, $125; Missouri Independent Bankers Association, North Kansas City, $1,000; Missouri Podiatry PAC, Springfield, $250; Missouri Health Association, Jefferson City, $1,125; Missouri Realtors, Columbia, $1,175; Busch Agricultural Inc., not listed, $1,125; LPC Inc., Fenton, $500; U-Gas Inc., Fenton, $500; SSM Healthcare, St. Louis, $500; Argosy Gaming Co., Alton, Ill., $500; Fred Weber Inc., Maryland Heights, $1,125; American Insurance Association of Missouri, Jefferson City, $250; Gerald Jones, Cape Girardeau, $600; Missouri Association of Municipal Utilities, Columbia, $500; Joan Jones, Cape Girardeau, $600.