Mr. Sinquefield’s passion for government change is softened by what even his critics describe as charm and compassion. Former Gov. Holden, for example, said Sinquefield offered one of the buildings on his estate for a Holden family reunion held when the former governor’s mother was gravely ill. And Sinquefield and his staff emphasize that he’s donating far more money to other personal passions besides politics, such as the symphony, St. Vincent’s and after-school programs for the urban poor.A chess fanatic, Sinquefield is offering to start and bankroll a regionwide chess program for children. He’s also honing his own chess skills to return to the tournament circuit. Sinquefield often plays chess online with other chess experts, in games that can take days for a single move.
He appears to be adopting the same methodical, patient approach to state and local government.
He believes that state income taxes hurt job growth and economic prosperity. He makes the same argument about the earnings taxes levied by the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City. Sinquefield said he recognizes that it may take years for his vision to take hold. But he also is upfront about his political expectations. Sinquefield acknowledges that he’s willing to pour millions of dollars into the campaigns of like-minded politicians. But he added that he’ll contribute to campaigns only “as long as it advances this agenda.” “If it doesn’t,” Sinquefield said with a smile, “I won’t.”
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