A series of unflattering headlines have been dogging Peter Kinder’s undeclared campaign for governor for months. On Friday, Kinder said he would not run for governor and will instead seek another term as Lieutenant Governor.

In a statement, Kinder said serving as lieutenant governor is a “great honor.”

“I have the experience, track-record and desire to continue working in that capacity every day.”

He also stated his support for St. Louis packaging executive Dave Spence in the race for governor. Spence has never run for public office before, but says he is prepared to put his own money into the race. The party’s front-runner in the lieutenant governor’s race Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Saline, quickly pulled out of the race.

Kinder has raised more than $1.4 million since January for his run for governor. But controversy has dogged his trail. This spring he repaid the state more than $50,000 after billing taxpayers for hundreds of nights at the Chase Park Plaza and other St. Louis hotels.

In August, he was forced to explain why he was photographed with an ex-stripper in a bar that advertises “pantless” parties. Former Penthouse “Pet” Tammy Chapman says Kinder invited her to move into his condo — which was paid for by his political campaign.