Brad Bradshaw running for Missouri lieutenant governor

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Democrat Brad Bradshaw is running for Missouri lieutenant governor in 2016.

The Springfield doctor and lawyer announced his candidacy in a statement released Friday.

Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder has said he's considering a run for governor.

Bradshaw said he wants to promote the economy and medical research in Missouri if elected to the office.

Bradshaw has never served in state elected office but was a vocal opponent to a proposed sales tax increase in Jackson County aimed at boosting research efforts at local hospitals. He spent about $250,000 fighting the measure.

He also has been self-funding his lieutenant governor's campaign, giving more than $56,000 and loaning his effort $200,000. He had more than $290,000 in cash for his campaign at the end of March.