Local Republicans ponder state ticket of Hulshof-Kinder

View Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder's speech to Republicans.

Ed Noffel goes way back with U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

Noffel and Hulshof's father formed a running back-quarterback tandem in high school at Portageville, Mo. Noffel and Kinder have been friends for decades.

So the local orthodontist who once straightened Hulshof's teeth had mixed feelings when he heard about Kinder's decision not to run for governor Friday night -- disappointment that his friend decided not to try for the state's highest office, and optimism at the strength of a possible Hulshof-Kinder ticket for a party whose sitting governor has opted out of a re-election bid.

"It sounds like they're going to make a great team together. Kenny Hulshof is a fabulous guy, and Peter is the same," said Noffel, adding that he respected Kinder's reasoning for dropping out of the governor's race -- not wanting to divide the party.

Other local Republicans also think both Hulshof and Kinder are winning candidates, and would be an effective governing duo.

State Sen. Jason Crowell echoed those thoughts Saturday at a ceremony to dedicate a Bollinger County highway in memory of a teen who died in a car accident.

Crowell said he's supporting both Kinder and Hulshof in their bids.

Kinder declined to comment through his deputy, Jerry Dowell, who said the lieutenant governor from Cape Girardeau explained his reason for dropping out of the race during his speech Friday night in Springfield, Mo.

With Kinder in the race, Cape Girardeau had a chance to see a native son win the governor's seat for the first time. But with Kinder running for re-election, the possibility exists for two natives of Southeast Missouri to become governor and lieutenant governor at the same time. Hulshof was raised in Bertrand, Mo., and graduated from Kelly High School in Benton, Mo.

Lloyd Smith, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and a Missouri Republican party strategist, said he thinks Kinder has "the inside track to get the nomination" for lieutenant governor, given his extensive experience in state politics and his incumbent status. Smith said Kinder also "put the party ahead of personal ambition" Friday, probably winning the vote of party loyalists.

"He's likely to win in November if he keeps up the effort," Smith said, expressing confidence that Kinder would indeed run a strong campaign through the general election.

But Kinder has a challenge from former state representative and Vietnam veteran Jack Jackson. Part of Kinder's political message has focused on his support for veterans programs as lieutenant governor.

Jackson has vowed to stay in the race, saying he was betrayed by Kinder, who Jackson said encouraged him to run for office.

"I am extremely disappointed with Peter. I did not enter this race lightly and did so only after repeated assurances from Peter that he was committed to his race for governor. I remain committed to serve the people of Missouri; I am still a candidate for Lt. Governor." Jackson wrote in a prepared statement sent to media outlets. "I still feel I am the most capable person in the state dedicated to work hard for my fellow veterans, senior citizens and as an advocate for all the people of Missouri."

State Treasurer Sarah Steelman said she still intends to run for governor against Hulshof.

Smith said the in-party matchups are still fluid, since the filing period for the August primaries doesn't open until Feb. 26. Smith said he hopes for a consensus candidate in each race. And he's told some candidates he's ready to help their bids, but he'll wait until filing closes to determine who that will be.

msanders@semissourian.com

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