Nixon out raises Kinder in 2011's second quarter

(KRCU) - Governor Jay Nixon raised more money during 2011’s second quarter than his most likely Republican rival.

Nixon raised more than $1.4 million between May and June 2011.

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder brought in $970 thousand during the same time period.

Kinder, a Republican from Cape Girardeau, has not yet announced his candidacy for the governorship, though he is widely expected to run in the 2012 election.

Last week, Republican House Speaker Steve Tilley announced he is running to take Kinder’s spot as the Lieutenant Governor, saying that Kinder is most certainly not going to seek re-election for this current post.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

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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

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