David C. Pratt (with Kathleen)
March 5, 2001 David Pratt is a relative newcomer to major political giving, but he's made up for lost time in the past few years. He first appeared on the Mother Jones 400 in 1998, when he was Missouri's second-largest individual donor to Republicans, just behind longtime GOP giver Sam Fox (No. 23, $626,700). During the last election cycle, Pratt contributed more than $300,00 to the Republican National Committee, chiefly to a "state elections" fund earmarked for non-congressional contests. Pratt was also among the elite group of 250 individuals and corporations who sponsored "The People's Inauguration" for President Bush. Before becoming a GOP underwriter, Pratt worked to turn his pesticide and fertilizer business into an industry powerhouse. He founded United Industries in 1969 and served as president and CEO until 1999, when he sold 90 percent of the firm to Boston-based Thomas H. Lee Co. for $620 million. Wal-Mart, Kmart, and Home Depot all carry United brands such as Spectracide, Real-Kill, and Cutter. Pratt remains a consultant to the company, and is president of Rex Realty in St. Louis and a co-owner of the Cardinals baseball team. -- Suzanne Boothby | | |
