By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Sarah Steelman's bid to become governor of Missouri is over.
She lost a fairly close contest for the Republican nomination to 9th District Congressman Kenny Hulshof 49.2 percent to 44.7 percent.
With her husband and three sons by her side, Steelman conceded the race before a small crowd of supporters at a local restaurant and bar in Jefferson City.
"I've made my call to Congressman Hulshof and congratulated him on winning tonight...it was a good race, a well-fought race, (and) I'm proud of what we did," Steelman said.
Steelman told the crowd she wanted to make sure people had a choice in the G.O.P. primary.
"People have a right to talk about the issues, even within (their) own party, and it's good...it's good for the party, it's good for the people, and eventually it's good for the state, and that's what matters...sometimes the fight is more important than the win, and I think that might be the case this time," Steelman said.
Steelman did not say whether she intends to actively support Hulshof.
Hulshof will now face Attorney General Jay Nixon, who easily won the Democratic nomination for governor.