Koster Has August Primary for Governor with Former KC Mayor

Former Missouri senator, Kansas City mayor runs for governor

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Former state senator and Kansas City mayor Charles Wheeler is running as a Democrat for Missouri governor. Wheeler filed for candidacy Monday. He would need to beat current Democratic front runner Attorney General Chris Koster in a primary. Wheeler was elected to the state Senate in 2002 to a four-year term and served with Koster. Wheeler also was mayor of Kansas City from 1971-1979. Republicans running for the state's top executive office are suburban St. Louis businessman John Brunner, former Navy SEAL officer Eric Greitens, former House speaker and U.S. attorney Catherine Hanaway and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder. The primary is Aug. 2. The general election is Nov. 8. Gubernatorial hopefuls and other office-seekers have until Tuesday to file for candidacy.