This article originally appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Oct. 1, 2013: In the midst of the congressional battle that led to the federal government shutdown, Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder has announced that he’s likely to challenge a fellow Republican -- U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem -- next year.
Kinder, from Cape Girardeau, didn’t mention Smith but instead referred to “out-of-touch Washington elites” as he declared that he has signed the federal paperwork to set up an exploratory committee – a move that will allow the three-term lieutenant governor to raise campaign money.
“It seems like special interests have co-opted nearly every member of Congress, and it is inexcusable that these elected officials just go along with it, wasting time and money on ever-expanding government without offering the real, common-sense solutions we need,” Kinder said in a statement. “This country belongs to the people, not the elites, and we need a voice in Congress who recognizes that.”
Because of the government shutdown, the paperwork likely won’t be processed by the FEC until the federal government is back up and running.
Kinder has several times declared intentions to run for higher office – for example, governor in 2008 and state auditor in 1998 – only to change his mind. And he told the Beacon on Saturday that he was still mulling his options.
However, his allies report that Kinder has spent the last few days calling would-be supporters and potential donors to gauge their reaction to his possible candidacy for the 8th District congressional seat that Smith won in a special election in June.
Kinder was the runner-up in the crowded Republican jockeying last spring to fill the vacancy created when longtime Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, unexpectedly resigned. Party insiders chose Smith as the GOP nominee, leaving Kinder stunned.
A former state senator, Kinder has noted that his old district is a considerable part of the 8th congressional district.
Now, it is Smith’s turn to be stunned. “I cannot imagine Peter Kinder challenging any sitting Republican,” Smith said in a statement. "Peter has spoken out several times recently about the importance of party unity and the Republican Party sticking together. Peter knows if he left the lieutenant governor's office Gov. Nixon would appoint a Democrat to replace him.
“Peter has been in politics for over 20 years, he knows better than to give up his office to a Democrat,” Smith continued. “Also, I have always considered Peter a friend and I supported him in his primary last year and he has supported me in past elections. Friends just don’t run against friends.”
Kinder, meanwhile, is focusing on his record – particularly on social issues. At a gathering Monday in southeast Missouri, he was joined by former state Rep. Mary Kasten, who cited his efforts against abortion and in favor of gun rights. “He has always stood up and led the fight for conservative issues, and I know he would do the same in Congress,” she said.
Author and attorney David Limbaugh also issued a statement of support, saying, “We cannot allow the current group of Washington elites to destroy our nation; we need to send proven leaders to Congress who have demonstrated true commitment to conservative principles. Peter Kinder is a consistently conservative leader."
