Forty years in broadcast television news and station management have given me a unique window into the campaigns of local, state and federal politicians. Fifteen of those years were in Cape Girardeau. How well the media is used on a daily basis is always a major key to success. Many people, including me, believe in term limits rather than "professional" politicians. There are exceptions to every rule, and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder stands out as one of the finest, most knowledgeable elected officials I have witnessed in my career.

Peter Kinder knows politics and how to get things done. He is the real deal when it comes to leadership, and Missouri has been lucky to have him as lieutenant governor since 2004. Only Peter Kinder has been elected to three terms as lieutenant governor since 1940.

Several years ago, Peter told me that in the future he would run for governor of Missouri. I was delighted to hear 2016 was the year. Missouri voters missed a big opportunity to put him in the top job. The people of Missouri made a huge mistake. My hope is Lt. Gov. Kinder will run again for public office, and that includes the governor position. A talent like Peter Kinder is hard to find in politics today. He is a true public servant.

MIKE SMYTHE, Milford, Ohio