Emerson endorses Kinder for Lt. Gov.

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson endorsed Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, of Cape Girardeau, in his run for re-election today, according to a news release sent out by Kinder's campaign.

"I've known Peter Kinder since he ran my husband Bill Emerson's first campaign for Congress in 1980.

Lt. Governor Kinder is a true conservative and a trusted leader and he has always put people before politics," Emerson is quoted as saying in the press release.

"Peter Kinder has a proven track record fighting for job creation, quality education, seniors and veterans. He fights for the values Missourians believe in because he shares those same values."

Kinder is opposed in the Republican primary by Jack Jackson, a former state representative and Vietnam veteran.

Kinder originally planned to run for governor this year after Gov. Matt Blunt announced he wouldn't seek re-election in January. But earlier this month Kinder dropped out of the governor's race, citing his desire not to create disunity within the party.