Candidates for governor lobbied for the support of a select group of voters. They met with county officials from across the state at the "Missouri Association of Counties" Legislative Conference. Some county commissioners said they came to the conference looking for a specific message from the candidates.

"We're looking for someone who will be a partner with the counties, back at the local level, and really try to work with us and help us," said Chris May, the Sullivan County Commissioner. "That's what we're trying to do."

When it comes to the relationship between counties and the state, the candidates emphasized a variety of issues. Republican gubernatorial candidate, Sarah Steelman, spoke about illegal immigration, tax returns, and unfunded mandates, which she opposes.

"State and federal governments should only do what they must and we should give counties the latitude to do what they're responsible for," said Steelman.

Jay Nixon, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, focused on local control of government, utility rates, and health care.

"We've got a lot of issues in this state," said Nixon. "It's really a sad moment when 500 of you all need to get together and drive from all over the state to come up here and complain about either the phone companies, or the legislature, or somebody else making your job harder for you."

Republican candidate Kenny Hulshof also spoke at the conference earlier Monday morning. Hulshof said he would veto unfunded state mandates on local government if elected.

REPORTED BY: KRISTIN ARENA