Peter Kinder Wins Third Term As Missouri Lieutenant Governor

Peter Kinder, the Republican Lieutenant Governor of the State of Missouri, celebrated his election to a third term with supporters in Creve Coeur Tuesday night.

Kinder was doing a radio interview by phone with talk show host Dana Loesch just before 11 p.m. Tuesday when he received a call from his opponent, former State Auditor Susan Montee. He returned the call to Montee and praised her concession, acknowledging that it was not an easy one to make.

With 2577 of 3380 precincts reporting, Kinder maintained a 52.9-41.8 lead over Montee late Tuesday night.

Around 10:30 p.m. Kinder spoke to reporters and while not outright declaring victory, spoke like a candidate who knew he would carry the night.

He criticized Governor Jay Nixon for having just a single substantive conversation since his call to then-Governor Elect congratulating him on his election in 2008 and on several occassions Tuesday spoke of an ability to work across the aisle, but also said he would oppose efforts that went against his constitutional principles.

Kinder said he did not regret his decision to run for a third term as Lt. Governor instead of running for the state's top job and did not tip his hand as to any future political plans. He survived a bruising primary with State Senator Brad Lager that saw issues surrounding character and use of state resources put under the microscope.

Montee, meanwhile, won an eight-way primary in August and as recently as Saturday, spoke of the apathy she faced in trying to convince voters that the Lt. Governor's office was consequential to state government.

Kinder hosted two suites and a ballroom audience at the Drury Inn in Creve Coeur. He served as a staff attorney to Drury's Development wing.