Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder released a video message Monday morning as he begins to make his case to Missourians in the campaign to succeed Gov. Matt Blunt.

Kinder, a Cape Girardeau Republican, was the first top GOP leader to announce his plans to seek the party's nomination for governor following Blunt's surprise decision last week to not seek re-election. Kinder, who served three terms as state Senator from Cape Girardeau, won election as lieutenant governor in 2004.

Kinder already faces a primary contest, with State Treasurer Sarah Steelman in the race. Others who are considering the contest include House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway, U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia, and Missouri Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph.

In the video, Kinder hits themes he hopes to develop during the campaign -- tax cuts to encourage economic growth, steps to combat illegal immigration through law enforcement checks and enforcement against employers and support for combat veterans through job programs and scholarships.

The tax cuts should focus on middle-class families, Kinder said. The tax policies should spur growth, he said.

"We will work together with urban, rural and agricultural leaders to ensure that no region, no county or community of this state is left behind, nor denied thhe opportunities to create a better future and critical jobs for our families," he said.

His No. 1 priority, he said, is to rollback local property taxes.

On veterans issues, Kinder said he would like to see state programs that support returning veterans and the families of soldiers killed in combat. A jobs program would "provide special assistance to returning veterans home from active duty," he said.

And Kinder called for a scholarship program for the spouses and children of Missouri soldiers killed in combat.

For updates, check back at www.semissourian.com or read Tuesday's Southeast Missourian.

Link to video: www.TeamKinder.com