JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – With experience comes a corner office.

Sen. Peter D. Kinder (R- Cape Girardeau) has been involved with Missouri politics for many years. He started out working on someone else’s campaign. Now he’s got his own. His current office has light yellow walls and green carpet. The desks are oak. There is an earthy feeling to the place. Kinder himself is earthy. He is quick to shake hands and make those in his presence comfortable. This might explain why there were smiling Democrats casually coming in and out of his office.

If elected lieutenant governor in November, Kinder plans to assist the elderly.

“You are designated by the government as the elderly advocate,” Kinder said. “Elders property tax relief, prescription drugs, nutritional issues, patient issues and falling. These are all important factors.”

He said tourism was also a major part of the job. Kinder said tourism is the second largest industry in Missouri with many opportunities for growth.

“I also want to be a small business advocate,” he said.

“Small businesses make up the new jobs in our state and in our country.”

Kinder said he also wanted to focus on elementary and secondary education.

“There should be more parental choices on where they can send their children,” he said.

Kinder carries himself differently than his his fellow senator. He does not have to use a filibuster very often.

“He (Sen. Ken Jacob) likes to drone on,” Kinder said.

“I believe it is a natural progression for me to move up to lieutenant governor from pro tem leader.”

Kinder said he has a lot of experience residing over the body.

“I believe I could do it fairly and in a judicious manner,” Kinder said,

“And I believe Sen. Jacob would be something other than that. The presiding lieutenant governor, while in the chair, holding the gavel, should have no opinion. You follow the rules as they are printed in the rule book.”