What's behind Rex Sinquefield's millions in Missouri politics?

Retired stock baron and St. Louis native Rex Sinquefield this year has contributed more to Missouri political candidates than any other individual.

At $3.3 million, according to the Missouri Ethics Commission, Sinquefield’s contributions dwarf those of Missouri’s other largest single donors, only eight of whom have given in the six-figure range.

In a special report for its July/August edition, Politico asks: What’s Sinquefield’s motivation?

The 69-year-old multimillionaire who became rich pioneering the first stock index funds in the 1970s, Politico observes Sinquefield’s money is strategically influencing political winners and losers in the Show-Me State.

“Sinquefield is among a small and little-known, but powerful, group of big-money donors who have shied away from national politics to advance pet policy issues in their home states,” journalist Lee Fang writes. “In Missouri, where the hundred-dollar campaign checks that were long the norm are being replaced by Sinquefield’s six-, seven- and even eight-figure donations, he has fundamentally transformed the state’s sleepy politics in less than a decade.”

The conservative’s pet projects, according to donations tracked by Politico: eliminating income taxes (see his role in 2012 in Kansas) and the dismantling of traditional public school systems (see his support of school vouchers and the elimination of teacher tenures), as well as promoting the game of chess.

Sinquefield’s money has trickled into southwest Missouri, where he’s backing the opponent of incumbent Rep. Jeff Messenger, R-Republic, in the 130th District race. Sinquefield is betting on Loren Hunt. Messenger was among 15 Republicans who helped thwart a 2013 tax cut bill by siding with congressional Democrats, who said the bill was flawed.

Politico says his donations have fueled a sprawling ecosystem of think tanks (e.g., Show-Me Institute), political action committees (e.g., Missouri Club for Growth) and lobbying firms promoting his favored policy issues.
 
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