Outgoing Missouri Treasurer Sarah Steelman, who lost a bruising Republican primary for governor to Kenny Hulshof, said this afternoon she will take a look at running for the seat vacated by Sen. Kit Bond in 2010.

Bond announced in the Missouri House Chambers this morning that he will not run for re-election. Bond and Steelman have been at odds lately. Bond endorsed Hulshof in the primary, and Steelman wrote a letter to the Department of Justice to inform investigators of a conversation she had with Bond concerning the ousting of U.S. attorney Todd Graves.

Steelman today praised Bond for his service, but made it clear they don’t see eye to eye on policy.

“The people of Missouri and all over the country are seeking a different direction from Washington,” Steelman told the Post-Dispatch. Referring to the economic doldrums the country is in, Steelman said, “We can see the consequences now of the actions taken by Congress.”

In her run for governor, Steelman pounded Hulshof over his support of congressional earmarks, which have long been supported by Bond. Her campaign had been run by Republican political consultant Jeff Roe, who conflicted with Bond aide Jason Van Eaton when Roe worked in Washington, D.C. for Congressman Sam Graves.

Steelman said she heard about Bond’s decision this morning and was surprised. She said she thought he would run again in 2010.

Now, she’s looking at the seat.

“I’m thinking about it,” she said. “I’m watching what happens. I’ll give it some serious thought. I do think Missourians are ready to go in a new direction in Washington.”

U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, who also endorsed Hulshof in the primary against Steelman, is also considering a run for the seat, said sources close to the congressman from southwest Missouri.