Kinder and Cook claim nominations for lt. governor

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The upcoming general election campaign for lieutenant governor looks to be billed as the Battle of Cape Girardeau after homegrown Democrat Bekki Cook and Republican Peter Kinder appeared to have locked up their respective parties' nominations in Tuesday's primary elections.

Cook had been expected to face the tougher primary contest, but with 64 percent of the vote she was heading toward a landslide victory over Senate Minority Floor Leader Ken Jacob of Columbia. With about three-fifths of precincts reporting, Cook led 332,086 to 180,308.

Cook, a former Missouri secretary of state, said she was surprised but thrilled at the large advantage she held and looks forward to going head-to-head with Kinder in the fall.

"I think it will be a special race down here in Southeast Missouri," Cook said. "Anytime you can add some interest to a race, it's good for the democratic process."

Jacob conceded the race and said he came to the realization he was facing an uphill battle some weeks ago.

"Bekki had been saying all along that she could win because she had been secretary of state, and she was right," said Jacob, adding that he wishes her luck in the general election campaign.

With 56.3 percent of the Republican vote, Kinder was beating former state Rep. Patricia Secrest of Manchester. Kinder was ahead 223,317 to 172,428.

Kinder said he had always anticipated he and Cook would be the nominees.

"I think it is a fascinating match-up for an all-Cape Girardeau statewide race," Kinder said. "Our two families have known each other for decades and are friends. I expect it to be a spirited contest on the issues."

Libertarian Mike Ferguson, who was unopposed in the primary, will also appear on the Nov. 2 general election ballot for lieutenant governor.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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