Topeka ? Republican Lynn Jenkins captured a second term Tuesday as state treasurer, defeating her Democratic challenger, Shawnee County Treasurer Larry Wilson.

Jenkins’ race was the most uneventful of the statewide contests this year. She breezed through the August primary unopposed and Wilson was viewed as token opposition.

She did some television advertising and campaigned around the state because she said she didn’t want to take it for granted that she would win another four-year term.

The last time Democrats didn’t field a statewide candidate was the 1978 insurance commissioner’s race, although Republican incumbent Fletcher Bell had a third-party opponent.

As treasurer, Jenkins is the state’s banker, overseeing some $18 billion passing through her office and depositing and accounting for the funds.

During her first term, Jenkins expanded the college tuition savings plan where people can save money in investment accounts to pay for children’s college costs. She also oversees the Unclaimed Property Division and has returned some $8 million a year in cash and unclaimed property to rightful owners.

She first was elected in 2002, replacing Republican Tim Shallenburger, who made a failed run for governor. Before her election, Jenkins was in the Senate and had served one term in the House.