Peter Kinder ends run for governor, calls campaign 'positive and honest'

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder expressed disappointment during his concession speech to end his campaign for governor Tuesday at Port Cape Girardeau, but took solace in what he called a “positive and honest campaign.”

“To the good people of Southeast Missouri, I owe everything,” Kinder said.

“I owe what the record books will show was a positive and honest campaign this year. A campaign that did not mudsling. The voters have chosen another candidate, and I congratulate him.”

Kinder said to reporters after the speech the money spent by other candidates became overwhelming.

Kinder served in Jefferson City, Missouri, for 24 years — first as a state senator after being elected in 1992 and then was elected lieutenant governor in 2004, serving three terms.

“This is my seventh race. I told myself each of the last six times I ran that both victory and defeat are imposters — victory is more fun, but it’s an imposter,” he said. “Things are never as rosy as when you win, and they’re never as dark as when you come up short.”

He compared running for office to competing in a major golf tournament, referring to golf star Jordan Spieth losing The Masters Championship after leading the tournament by five strokes.

“You put it all out there,” Kinder said.

Kinder said he would finish his term as lieutenant governor but has not made plans for his next career.

He mentioned he was successful in the business world before running for office.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address:

19 Water St., Cape Girardeau, MO