In yet another stunning twist in the 2012 election cycle, strong, credible rumors are circulating that this afternoon Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder will announce that he will seek re-election for lieutenant governor.
Kinder had been the presumptive gubernatorial until months ago when a photograph of him with a bartender led to questions about his personal life. Kinder eventually answered the questions, but not until the damage was done: some donors and members of his own party opening calling for Kinder to abandon his bid for the governor’s mansion.
His campaign limped along for months afterward, through a “listening tour” and a lackluster fundraising quarter.
Things changed dramatically when Kinder’s heir apparent Speaker Steve Tilley withdrew from the LG race, citing a desire to spend time with his family. That brought others - Brad Lager, Chris McKee, Luann Ridgeway, Eric Schmitt - expressing an interest in a newly open LG’s race
Meanwhile, Dave Spence, a St. Louis businessman officially declared that he enter the governor’s race.
Now with Kinder returning to the LG’s race, the Republican world is cast into chaos. Does Kinder get a pass at LG? Does Lager back off to a state treasurer’s campaign? Does he take on Spence for governor?
Have a good weekend!!!!!!!