Mo. governor's candidates starting from SW Mo.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Republican gubernatorial candidates Kenny Hulshof and Sarah Steelman both are springing from southwest Missouri in their final campaign push.

Steelman and Hulshof both were beginning Monday with events in Springfield before heading over to the Joplin area.

Their contest tops the ballot in Tuesday's primary elections.

Steelman also planned to campaign Monday in Kansas City and Jefferson City. Hulshof planned stops in St. Louis and Columbia.

Other hot races include the Democratic attorney general's primary, and dueling Republican and Democratic primaries in the 9th Congressional District.

Election officials project a voter turnout of 31 percent, below the 36 percent turnout in the August 2004 primary.