St. Louis businessman joins race for lieutenant governor

Add St. Louis businessman Chris McKee to those who want to succeed Peter Kinder as lieutenant governor. McKee's camp issued the following news release:

St. Louis businessman Chris McKee (R-St. Louis) today announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for the Office of Lieutenant Governor. “Missouri needs a pro-jobs administration in Jefferson City. In this economic climate we need officials who understand job creation so we can start to move Missouri forward again, and I am qualified to do that,” McKee said. McKee commented on the need for steadfast leadership that will work with lawmakers and advocate for much needed jobs legislation that will put Missourians back to work.  A formal announcement from McKee is expected within the next two weeks. Chris McKee graduated from Washington University with a Masters of Business Administration and holds a Masters of Science, Environmental and Water Resource Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University.  McKee is President of Optimus, where he is responsible for the generation of new build-to-suit construction, leasing and development opportunities.  He is a native St. Louisian with years of experience creating jobs and developing projects throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.  McKee and his wife, Carolyn, have three children and live in St. Louis County.