Mo. lt. gov. candidates trade barbs during debate

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The leading Republican candidates for Missouri lieutenant governor have adopted a personal tone in their contest.

Two-term Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and Sen. Brad Lager debated Monday on KCUR-FM in Kansas City. Lager, of Savannah, is one of three Republicans challenging Kinder in the Aug. 7 primary.

Kinder has suggested Lager profited from the federal health care overhaul through work at a health care technology company. He said Monday that Lager had essentially lobbied for the company and accused him of not properly disclosing some financial dealings.

Lager said he has never lobbied, and accused Kinder of attacking private industry. He criticized Kinder for not breaking tie votes in the Senate and for spending hundreds of nights at St. Louis hotels.

Kinder has repaid the state for the hotel stays.