Republican governor's race tops primary contests in Missouri

(AP) — Voters were weighing their desires for an outside voice versus political experience Tuesday as they cast ballots in a Republican gubernatorial race that has been one of Missouri's most broadly contested primaries in a generation.

The four-way Republican governor's race, fueled by high-dollar contributions, headlined a primary ballot that will determine the parties' nominees in the Nov. 8 general election for a variety of offices, including the U.S. Senate and House, the Missouri General Assembly and top state and local executive offices.

Missouri's governor's race is wide open because two-term incumbent Jay Nixon, a Democrat, has served the maximum amount allowed under state law and cannot seek re-election.

Brunner, the former CEO of personal care products company Vi-Jon Inc., has described his business experience as an asset to spurring job creation in Missouri.

The Republican Governors Association says it plans to release its first TV ad against Koster on Wednesday, and a Democratic affiliated political group already has been running an ad against Greitens.

The state Republican Party is planning to bring together the winners and losers from its primaries for an event Thursday in the St. Louis area, hoping to patch over any bruised feelings and put forth a united front for the general election.