JEFFERSON CITY — A Springfield attorney who has not previously run for political office has pumped $500,000 of her own money into her bid to become Missouri’s next treasurer.
The contribution puts Lori Rook, who specializes in elder law, into the mix in what has become a four-way Republican primary race set to be determined in the August 2024 election.
Incumbent Vivek Malek, a political newcomer who was appointed to the position by Gov. Mike Parson in January, has already amassed nearly $2 million in his bid for a full, four-year term.
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House Budget Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage, reported $420,000 in his campaign war chest as of Oct. 1. Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, reported a balance of $176,000, according to reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
The lone Democrat running is Lucas Johnson, a financial adviser from Union. He reported having $1,060 in his campaign account as of Oct. 1.
Rook is a graduate of Nixa High School and Missouri State University. She earned her law degree at Oklahoma State University and is a managing partner of Ozarks Elder Law and Joplin Elder Law.
Rook could not be reached for comment, but her campaign website says she plans to use her skills in helping seniors to safeguard Missourians from financial fraud and abuse.
She also plans to put an emphasis on teaching children about money and investing.
“Lori aims to educate children about financial literacy, invest more in neighbors, and maximize Missouri’s investments,†the website notes.
Like her GOP counterparts, Rook says she opposes investing state money in funds that prioritize climate action or other socially driven platforms.
The practice of environmental, social and governance investing (ESG) has been a focus of the GOP-controlled office after former Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick successfully pushed for the removal of $500 million of the state’s pension funds out of BlackRock investment accounts.
“Lori would remove funds from those firms who put Missouri investments at risk by funding progressive companies and causes over smart investments,†her website said.
Rook also calls Mexico a “terrorist state†that is waging war against the U.S. and profiting off deadly fentanyl. She said she opposes investments in Mexico and China.
“Lori believes that our money should be reinvested in our state, and she plans to create incentives for companies to move their manufacturing of strategic supplies from China to Missouri,†the website said.
The state treasurer position pays $107,000 per year.