MO Statehouse

Missouri Democratic Party Chairwoman Susan Montee says she plans to run for lieutenant governor next year.

Montee said Friday she has been trying to recruit strong Democratic candidates for offices and believes she has the best chance of winning the lieutenant governor's office being vacated by Republican Peter Kinder.

Kinder has said he will not seek re-election and is instead considering a run for governor.

Montee served as state auditor for four years before losing re-election last year to Republican Tom Schweich.

Mo. Lt. Gov, Peter Kinder wants the Missouri Development Finance Board to review the way it approves financing for economic development projects. The request comes in the wake of the Mamtek fiasco in Moberly.

Updated 5:02 p.m. with statement from the Missouri Democratic Party.

Update: 3:22 p.m.: Mo. State Rep. Jason Kander, D-Kansas City has announced he will be a candidate for the position via an announcement on his website. Here's an excerpt: