One of the more dramatic speeches during the convention was delivered by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, a Republican who’s seeking re-election. He dropped out of the governor’s race last February in what he said at the time was an aim to encourage party unity.

Kinder said in an interview Friday night that he doesn’t expect state Treasurer Sarah Steelman to follow suit. And when asked, he said he was not ready to endorse either her or U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof (who did snag Sen. Kit Bond’s public nod Saturday).

In any event, here’s a link to Kinder’s speech, delivered Friday night.

And here’s the text, with some of the more significant parts in bold:

“It is a pleasure to be here with you this evening. Tonight is an exciting night as we come together as Republicans, united, prepared to nominate Senator John McCain as the next President of these United States of America.

Having spent time with Sen. McCain a few months ago, I can tell you he is a great man who represents a better future for all Americans. He is a stark contrast, and positive alternative to the Democratic candidates that are bent on raising taxes and embracing our enemies.

Tonight, we stand united behind John McCain – “our” candidate for president of the United States.

We gather as members of this, the Missouri Republican party. We stand proudly, remaining unified with unchallenged integrity and a clear sense of purpose.

Just a few short years ago, the people of this great state put their trust in us by putting behind them 50 years of Democratic rule in the Legislature – and the 12 years of control in the Governor’s Office.

That’s because for far too long, the Democratic powers-that-be had abused the people’s trust.

As President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate during those challenging days, I remember very well the spirit of optimism and change that guided us as a party.

Together, we sought to make state government something that Missourians could be proud of. With great determination and fortitude, we moved this state forward with bold ideas to improve the quality of life for all Missourians.

In short, we delivered our promises:

    * As Republicans, we worked together to create nearly 90,000 new jobs for hard-working Missourians.
    * Together, we instituted legal reforms and workers’ compensation reform.
    * We protected the life of the unborn.
    * We created an environment in which small businesses can prosper.
    * We cracked down on illegal immigration.
    * Together, we provided more than $1 billion in new funding for education.
    * And we have protected our most vulnerable citizens – our children and elderly – from those who would prey upon them.

With all of these accomplishments, it is important that I point out something WE “DID not do”… We DID NOT raise taxes on Missourians.

These unprecedented accomplishments stand in stark contrast to the disastrous Democratic legacy of education cuts, $1 billion budget deficits, crippling job losses and most importantly, JOB-KILLING TAX INCREASES.

And yet, tonight, I believe our Party – this institution of Lincoln and Reagan – is at a critical crossroads.

I fear that party bickering and infighting has taken a toll on our vision, and on our accomplishments. Divisiveness and bitterness have taken hold within the very party that we all have given our time and energy to defend.

Selflessness has too often been replaced by selfishness.

We MUST NOT let these maladies break down what we ALL have worked so hard to accomplish for our fellow Missourians.

And we MUST NOT allow Missourians to be deceived by Democrats who have too often been allowed to get away with offering up empty political rhetoric instead of being challenged to offer real solutions.

For all these reasons, I come before you compelled to remind us all what it is to be called a Missouri Republican.

We MUST, this very night, embrace those values that built this party and made it strong and successful.

When I told you three months ago that I would not run for governor, I did so because I felt it was incumbent on me to put party before self. To put the needs of our people before my own.

So, tonight, I implore each of us to put aside any differences we may have and come together in the spirit of unity.

I challenge each of us to remember where we came from and how we got here. We must not deny who we are as a party. We must pick ourselves up and restore Missourians’ faith in our vision.

For if we fail, I believe we will deliver Missouri and its hard-working citizens back into the hands of those who will deceive them. If we allow this to happen, our state will find itself on a Democratic road to ruin.

We must remind our fellow Missourians that Missouri Republicans have brought this state forward, and will continue, with great integrity to do so for many years to come.

Tonight, I am proud to be a Republican — I am proud to be a Missourian.

May God Bless you, and May God continue to bless the Great State of Missouri.”