Tilley announces candidacy for Lieutenant Governor

A Southeast Missouri politician announced his candidacy for state-wide office Thursday.

Missouri House Speaker Steve Tilley says he wants to the next Lieutenant Governor.

Tilley, a Republican from Perry County, has served in the Missouri House since 2004. He already has raised over one million dollars for his election campaign.

He says that he has some ideas for how he would like to use the office.

“Some states use their Lieutenant Governor as kind of like an ombudsman for economic development, and I can see myself, if elected, that’s willing to travel out of the state to visit with companies that are thinking about expanding or relocating and explaining why Missouri would be a good choice for them,” Tilley said.

Current Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, who is also a Republican, is widely expected to run run for Governor in 2012. He has not yet made an official announcement.

“He’s informed me that he’s not going to be running for Lieutenant Governor. You know, most people feel that he’ll be a great candidate for Governor, but that’s a decision he’ll make on his own timetable. And if he does, I’ll certainly be supportive,” Tilley said.

The only Democrat in the race thus far is Becky Plattner from Marshall.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Posted in: Election 2012,Peter Kinder,Steve Tilley