Missouri treasurer race pits ex-lawmaker against diplomat

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A former state lawmaker and a 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, of 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.

Read more: http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/missouri-treasurer-race-pits-ex-lawmaker-against-diplomat/article_3cefe23c-3a86-5df8-ad9a-8899ebd4d618.html