State Sen. Anita Yeckel, R-Sunset Hills, has formally kicked off her campaign for the Republican nomination for state treasurer.

Yeckel launched her quest for the nomination Saturday during the annual meeting of the Missouri Republican Women at the St. Louis Airport Marriott hotel. She was the first to throw her hat into the ring for the state treasurer’s post, announcing her candidacy in February during Lincoln Days’ celebrations in Kansas City, according to a news release.

“I wanted to formally launch my campaign at this meeting of the Federated Republican Women because the members of this organization have supported me throughout my political career,” Yeckel stated in the release.

“Missouri is at a pivotal time in its history. We can either continue to sink deeper into recession or we can aggressively work to rejuvenate our economy. I believe I have the professional and legislative experience that will allow me to work with the governor, Legislature and business leaders to develop a long-term plan that will make our state an economic powerhouse,” she added.

Yeckel has represented the 1st District in the state Senate for the past seven years, and currently serves as assistant majority floor leader and as chairman of the Finan-cial, Governmental Organizations, Veterans’ Affairs and Elections Committee.

“The state treasurer is Missouri’s chief financial official, and that office should take the lead in formulating the programs and policies that make our state competitive,” she stated. “For more than 10 years, the treasurer’s office has re-mained closed to new ideas and fresh concepts. I want to change that. I want to im-prove on current programs like (Missouri Saving for Tuition Program) and Mo’ Bucks, and formulate other innovative endeavors that will make Missouri competitive.”

Before being elected to the Senate, Yeckel spent 17 years in the banking industry in St. Louis, serving in many different capacities. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she majored in political science.

Yeckel also served three three-year terms on the Lindbergh Board of Education, holding the posts of president, vice president and treasurer. She also served as board secretary twice. In addition, Yeckel served on the Special School District Governing Council.

Yeckel is one of four Republicans and one Democrat seeking the seat currently held by Nancy Farmer, a Democrat who is running for the U.S. Senate.