Nixon wins Mo. Democratic governor's primary

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Attorney General Jay Nixon easily won the Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday and awaited the results of a more closely contested Republican primary to learn his next opponent.

In the Republican primary, Congressman Kenny Hulshof was putting forward a portfolio of Republican establishment support against the populist appeals of Treasurer Sarah Steelman.

Missouri's gubernatorial primaries became unexpectedly important after GOP Gov. Matt Blunt stunned supporters and foes alike in January by announcing he would not seek re-election.