This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Feb. 6, 2012 - State Rep. Sara Lampe, D-Springfield, is jumping into the race for lieutenant governor, making her the fourth Democratic challenger in the increasingly crowded statewide contest.
Lampe, D-Springfield, announced her intentions in a press release sent Sunday night. She made her plans official this morning, in an event at the Plaster Student Union in Springfield.
A former teacher and principal, Lampe is the House budget committee's ranking Democratic member. She is barred from running for re-election due to term limits.
"These are difficult times for working families and seniors," Lampe said in a statement. "My experiences in public education, running a small business and balancing the state budget have uniquely prepared me to take on this new challenge."
Lampe's entry into race means four women are now running in the Democratic primary. Other announced candidates include former state Auditor Susan Montee, former state Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, and state conservation commissioner Becky Plattner.
UPDATE: Meanwhile, Montee announced via her Facebook page that she would be holding a kickoff event at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Louis' City Hall.
"You all know I've been running for lieutenant governor since last fall, but tomorrow I'm formally announcing my campaign in St. Louis," Montee said on Facebook. End update
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, state Sen. Brad Lager, R-Savannah, and Wentzville attorney Mike Carter are running as Republicans. State Sen. Luann Ridgeway, R-Smithville, also created a committee to raise funds for a lieutenant governor bid.
