By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Governor Matt Blunt is supporting Peter Kinder in the Missouri Lt. Governor's race.
Kinder surprised Republicans Friday evening by announcing that in the interest of party unity, he was pulling out of the governor's race and would instead seek another term as Lt. Governor.
Blunt announced last month that he would not seek a second term as governor.
He also suggested that it would be good if Jack Jackson were to bow out of the Lt. Governor's race.
"He's a patriot, a veteran...I've had lots of good conversations with Jack Jackson throughout the months and years, but I've said I'm very firmly committed to re-electing Peter Kinder as the Lt. Governor of the state of Missouri," Blunt said.
A spokesman for Jackson said he's staying in the race.
State House Member Sam Page is seeking the Democratic nomination for Lt. Governor.
When it comes to the governor's race, Blunt said he has no plans to endorse either of the two Republican contenders, Kenny Hulshof and Sarah Steelman.
"I'm not (going to) tell anybody to get out of a primary, that's their right to run...it's possible that things will coalesce behind one candidate, but I think that remains to be seen," Blunt said.
Blunt added, though, that he's keeping his options open and might make an endorsement later on.