Lt. Gov. Race: Democrats Pick Montee, GOP Sticks With Kinder -- Barely

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder narrowly held onto his seat in Tuesday's election.

Around 11 p.m. the race was called in favor of the Republican over challengers State Senator Brad Lager, Charles Kullman and Mike Carter.

Lager gave Kinder a run for his money, meeting with supporters across the state in the days ahead of Election Day. He said the number one issue is the economic climate of Missouri and to change the climate, voters needed to change leaders.

Lager called to congratulate Kinder late Tuesday. He released this statement: "When you engage in a battle for public policy, you do so to defend your principles and beliefs. I hold those principles and beliefs dearly and that is why I entered this campaign. I am proud to have provided the voters of Missouri with a choice in the Lieutenant Governor's race. While I am disappointed with the outcome, I respect their decision," said Lager. "I fully support Peter Kinder in his campaign for another term as Lieutenant Governor."

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder said he was a fiscal conservative and that for the past two years he's asked for less money in his budget.

Kinder has accused Secretary of State Robin Carnahan of abusing her office by writing biased ballot language related to health insurance exchanges.

Kinder will go head-to-head with former Missouri Auditor Susan Montee in an attempt to win a third term.

Montee was the Democratic clear winner once polls closed Tuesday. She beat out former State Rep. Sara Lampe, who faced term limits in the Missouri House.