Kinder remains undecided on statewide run in 2004

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- While frequently mentioned as a possible candidate for governor or some other statewide office in 2004, Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder hasn't made any decisions regarding his political future.

"I've been encouraged to run for various statewide offices and it is very flattering," Kinder said. "But at this point I've organized no campaigns."

Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, met last month with two other potential GOP gubernatorial hopefuls -- U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof of Columbia and Secretary of State Matt Blunt -- but said no deal was struck that would clear the way for one them to move forward without major opposition in their party's primary.

Regardless of whether any other well-known Republicans decide to run, Blunt appears to have decided to seek the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Bob Holden. Although Blunt has made no public announcement, numerous GOP leaders have said he intends to be a candidate.

Party officials hope to avoid a repeat of the 1992 primary when three Republican statewide officeholders sought the nomination to replace outgoing Gov. John Ashcroft. Attorney General Bill Webster won the primary but was politically hurt in the process, which helped drag down the rest of the Republican ticket and paved the way for a Democratic sweep of the five executive branch offices on the ballot.

However, Kinder said a contested primary wouldn't necessarily be detrimental as the winner could emerge stronger and better prepared for a general election race against Holden, whom Republicans consider vulnerable.

If Kinder decides against a gubernatorial bid, he may seek to unseat either Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell or Attorney General Jay Nixon, both Democrats.

One office Kinder definitely won't be running for is the Senate seat he first won in 1992. Because of term limits, Kinder is ineligible for a fourth Senate term.

At least two incumbent state representatives are considering seeking the seat, which represents six area counties.

State Rep. Pat Naeger, R-Perryville, said moving to the Senate would be the logical next step in his political career. Naeger's eight-year tenure in the House of Representatives ends in January. Term limits prevented him from seeking re-election this year.

"I love the legislature and love the process," said Naeger, who served as assistant minority floor leader for the last two years. "I got to the point where I felt I got very good at what I did. I had to quit but the fire is still in my belly."

Incoming House Majority Floor Leader Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, also may seek to be Kinder's successor.

"It's something I'm definitely looking at," Crowell said. "Many people have asked me to run, but my task right now is getting things done in the House."

Thanks to gains in the November elections, Republicans will control the House next year for the first time since 1954.

Another Republican House leader -- Speaker Pro Tem-elect Rod Jetton of Marble Hill -- has ruled out a Senate bid in 2004. As the No. 2 ranking House member, Jetton is in a position to eventually become speaker.

"I probably can represent our region better by staying in the House," Jetton said.

Area Democrats say that so far there has been little buzz regarding who might represent their party in the race.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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