Blunt says he won't run again
Jan. 25, 2008
Missouri politics took a departure from the hotly contested presidential primaries this week when Gov. Matt Blunt announced that he would not seek re-election. Blunt said he had accomplished everything he had wanted to do as governor. The stunning announcement opened up a can of worms for the GOP in Missouri, and there is no shortage of potential candidates for Blunt's job. The Democratic Party is secure in its choice of sitting Attorney General Jay Nixon, who had been leading Blunt by 7 percent in the polls. Whoever the GOP decides upon (and they might not decide until a potentially ugly August primary), they will face an uphill battle in terms of campaigning and fundraising. Here's a quick look at the top contenders for the GOP gubernatorial nod, along with some strengths and weaknesses.
U.S. Rep Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo.: Hulshof represents much of central and northeast Missouri, including Columbia, in Congress. Before the appointment of Gary Forsee as President of the UM system, Hulshof was widely considered to be in the running for the top spot. Hulshof might want to get out of Congress sooner rather than later, considering that the GOP is now the minority party in both chambers. However, Hulshof has very little statewide name recognition and would face an uphill battle in both that area and in fundraising. Another factor in his decision to run (or not, as the case may be) will be the fact that a gubernatorial run would force Republicans to defend yet another open seat.
State Treasurer Sarah Steelman: Elected in 2004, Steelman served in the Missouri State Senate before that. She doesn't have a lot of name recognition outside of regular voters and political junkies. Although this didn't deter U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill from taking on Matt Blunt in the 2004 gubernatorial race and almost winning, it might have been one of the factors that worked against the Senator.
Former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent, R-Mo.: He seems to have the most going for him out of all the Republican candidates, but also the most working against him. He has the statewide name recognition and the potential to hit up his big-money donors from his previous Senate and gubernatorial races. But that's just it: While Talent has name recognition, a lot of it is negative. He might just also be tired of politics; he's got a nice job at Washington University in St. Louis, and I'm not sure if he wants to give all that up to run from behind on a short schedule with no cash on hand.
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder: Kinder might be the best choice for Republicans right now. He's got more name recognition than some of his fellow GOPers, but not much negative attention. You can't really offend people when you're lieutenant governor; it's mostly attending dinners for local Republican organizations, opening schools or speaking at graduations. What might concern him is the fact that he would leave his current spot without an incumbent.
State Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill: This state Representative from rural Missouri has been a polarizing figure in Jefferson City, but seems to have the favor of the Republican base. He has the least to lose, at least in terms of his office.
avtty5@mizzou.edu
More Jan. 25, 2008 Outlook Stories
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