Hanaway out; told Gibbons over breakfast
U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway, who previously served as Missouri’s first woman Speaker of the House, said today that she’s decided not to run for Missouri attorney general in 2008.
Instead, Hanaway said she plans to remain in her current post and serve out her term as U.S. attorney, which would continue through the end of President George W. Bush’s tenure in office. U.S. attorneys are appointed by the president.
“I have a wonderful job here. I feel committed to seeing the job through to the end. The taxpayers deserve a fulltime job through to the end,” Hanaway said in a telephone interview this morning.
“The finest prosecutors ever are here…Every day you feel like you’re making a tangible difference,” Hanaway continued. “You can go in a courtroom and see people who would have hurt someone go to prison.”
Hanaway said she made her decision within the past two weeks. She told state Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, over breakfast Monday at the Frontenac Hilton. Gibbons is announcing his AG bid on Saturday.
Hanaway said she also had consulted with Republican leaders who are personal friends, but emphasized that she was careful not to run counter to the restrictions of her job, which require that she stay out of politics.
As a result, she won’t be endorsing Gibbons or anyone else running in 2008.
Hanaway said she recognized that her decision means that she likely will be out of politics for years. If she doesn’t run in 2008, she likely won’t be running for anything statewide until at least 2012.
Hanaway no longer lives in Warson Woods, where she and her family resided during her six years in the state House. She now lives elsewhere in St. Louis County. Hanaway didn’t want to disclose the location for security reasons. “I’ve already had one serious death threat” related to her U.S. attorney duties, she said.
“She told state Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, over breakfast Monday at the Frontenac Hilton.”
With two Republicans involved, did anyone think it would be at Denny’s?
“Hanaway said she also had consulted with Republican leaders who are personal friends, but emphasized that she was careful not to run counter to the restrictions of her job, which require that she stay out of politics.”
Oh, right. But she announces to the media that she had breakfast with Gibbons, and decided not to run. I guess this isn’t an endorsement if you don’t look too close.
I couldn’t think of anyone better person to run for AG. Mike will wrap that one up for the Repubs. MG for AG 08′
WOW - I can’t think of two better people than Catherine Hanaway as our US Attorney and Mike Gibbons as our Attorney General. Looks like the republicans are getting unified and gearing up for ‘08 GO MIKE!!!!
Senator Gibbons is a good man and his impending victory next November will help the state continue down a better path.
Mike Gibbons will be an excellent candidate and an even better Attorney General! It will be a pleasure to support him.
Chris Koster has got to be pissed. He switches sides to avoid Hanaway in the primary, and now she decides not to run. Ouch!! I guess every once in a while someone with principles actually comes out ahead. Good luck Mike!
When will the Gibbons supporter that wrote the second, third, fourth and fifth comments run out of nicknames? Let’s wait and see!
Here is the underlying consideration. Where is Catherine now living? What Congressional District does she now reside in? Will she stay as Fed. Prosecuter or move into another appointed position before the end of W’s term?
There is no one more qualified and honorable than Mike Gibbons!! Good luck Mike!!
Mike Gibbons is the bees’ knees, and he’s ever so dreamy. Missourians should feel honored that someone as perfect as Mike would even consider slumming to be our Attorney General. Go Mike. You’re so wonderful!!!