Deep pockets are shaping local politics THINK TANK * Rex Sinquefield bankrolls research and politicians who embrace his pet political causes.(News)

Byline: Jo Mannies POST-DISPATCH POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

ST. LOUIS -- Multimillionaire Rex Sinquefield has deep pockets and an even deeper interest in Missouri politics.

And his retirement strategy meshes both.

After making a fortune as an investment banker, Sinquefield is prepared to spend millions in the next few years to influence the Missouri public and help elect state and local officials who share his disdain for income taxes and troubled urban public schools.

Missouri's elimination of campaign-donation limits could further help his cause and those of others with bankrolls big enough to wield influence in the state. Sinquefield's moniker and money are expected to be prominent on this week's campaign-finance reports, the first for statewide candidates since the limits were removed.

The St. Louis native moved back to the state just two years ago after being away for 35 years. But he's swiftly making up for lost time.

Sinquefield already has spent a bundle to help establish the Show-Me Institute, a free-market think tank based in Clayton.

With an eight-member board of prominent bankers, economists and some Republicans, the institute pays for research studies into many of the issues that Sinquefield cares about, from the state's minimum wage to St. Louis' earnings tax. (He opposes both.)

The institute, and the prospect of generous contributions, are among the reasons why Sinquefield has swiftly found himself on a first-name basis with most of Missouri's top elected officials in both parties.

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