KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Wednesday she will run to be chairwoman of the Missouri Democratic Party.
As a twice-elected prosecutor and former Missouri state representative, Peters Baker said she has much to offer the position, including “political experience” and “fundraising ability and proven leadership.”
“I’m known as a fair but progressive leader both as an attorney and as a Democrat. Serving as State Party Chair will be a strong step toward advancing the Democratic platform and building the resources needed to compete in all corners of Missouri,” Peters Baker wrote in her announcement.
I’m in. It’s time for me to get off the sidelines and support a strong Democratic Party by throwing my hat in for Chair. pic.twitter.com/EQfDwzB6wz
— Jean Peters Baker (@jeanpetersbaker) November 21, 2018
She also said that she has “deep ties” to rural communities of Missouri, having been born and raised in rural Osage County before going to school at Columbia College and the University of Missouri.
While in office, Peters Baker has made some significant changes to prosecuting policy in Jackson County. Just last week, her office announced it will no longer pursue marijuana possession cases with some exceptions, following Missouri voters’ approval of a medical marijuana measure.
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