Republican Peter Kinder spent his second term as Missouri’s lieutenant governor improperly spending taxpayers’ money for political travel, challenging the federal health reform law in a clumsy lawsuit and getting in trouble with visits to a bawdy nightclub.

No wonder Kinder was unable to put together a campaign for governor. But now he wants to warm the lieutenant governor’s seat for a third term.

Fortunately, voters have a much better option in Democrat Susan Montee.

As a former state auditor, Montee knows every nook and cranny of state government.

She would be eminently qualified to fill in for the governor if needed — which, after all, is the primary function of the office.

The lieutenant governor also has a seat on several boards and commissions, and Montee’s experience would be valuable there. Some of those groups could use an auditor’s perspective.

Montee also promises to return the focus of the office to its traditional responsibilities — as an advocate for the elderly and veterans.

Unlike Kinder, Montee would designate a staffer to specialize in each of those areas. She plans to create referral and educational services to help veterans and seniors deal with state government.

Voters can expect Montee to carry out her duties in a responsible, conscientious way. The same cannot be said for Kinder.