Hulshof, Kinder team up before primary

CAPE GIRARDEAU— The primary election isn’t over, but Republican gubernatorial candidate Kenny Hulshof and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder are already campaigning as a ticket.

Kinder has endorsed Hulshof — a 12-year congressman — over state Treasurer Sarah Steelman in the gubernatorial primary.

In Cape Girardeau on Monday, Kinder said he thinks Hulshof is the most likely to be able to defeat Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Nixon in the general election. A poll, however, shows Nixon with a sizable lead over either Hulshof or Steelman.

Hulshof and Kinder laid out a campaign agenda that includes making government more transparent and accountable, increased funding for higher education, a focus on economic development and increased access to affordable health care.