Mo. Lt. Gov. Kinder trails campaign cash of Montee

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- New campaign finance reports show Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder emerged from a tough Republican primary to begin September with a fraction of the cash of his Democratic challenger.

Thursday was the deadline for candidates to file reports covering the period from July 27 through Sept. 1.

Kinder's report lists $18,300 in cash on hand as of Sept. 1, compared with the roughly $185,000 reported by Democratic nominee Susan Montee.

Kinder is seeking a third term and won the Aug. 7 GOP primary in a competitive race with state Sen. Brad Lager. Montee, a former Missouri state auditor, prevailed in a crowded but low-key Democratic race.

Kinder's campaign received a $40,000 loan on July 31 from the Missouri Leadership Committee, whose treasurer is a former Republican state lawmaker.