Last week, Democratic candidate for treasurer Andria Simckes toured the state with a pitch to help rural hospitals. ^[1]

Now, one of her primary opponents, State Rep. Clint Zweifel, is shoring up some out-state support in the form of an endorsement from Joe Maxwell, the former state senator and lieutenant governor from Mexico, Mo.

Zwefiel also announced the support this morning of State Sen. Wes Shoemyer, of Clarence, Mo., which adds to the list of rural state legislatures supporting his bid for treasurer: Rachel Bringer (Palmyra), Tom Shively (Shelbyville), Paul Quinn (Monroe City), and Terry Witte (Vandalia).

All four Democrats running for treasurer in the August primary come from either the St. Louis or Kansas City area: Charlie Wheeler is the former mayor of Kansas City; Mark Powell is the mayor of Arnold; Zweifel is from Florissant; and Simckes calls Creve Coeur home.

They’re drawing from similar bases, which means that voters outside of the state’s two largest cities could make the difference in the race.