UPDATED Kinder: Already running for gov, since Blunt isn’t
The shock wave of Gov. Matt Blunt’s sudden announcement that he’s not running for re-election is already starting a flurry of activity among fellow Republicans.
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder just told our own Virginia Young that there’s “a decent chance” that he’ll run for governor.
As regular readers know, state Treasurer Sarah Steelman just announced at noon that she’s running for re-election.
Will she change her mind?
Democrats are shocked, and so far are silent.
UPDATE — Here’s Kinder’s announcement that he’s definitely running:
“As Lt. Governor and President Pro Tem I have brought fundamental change to state government. I have served as a change agent my entire career and look forward to continuing my positive leadership. Missourians deserve a strong economy to create new higher paying jobs, a world class education, and affordable and accessible health care. I am the right person to deliver the positive change Missourians deserve.
“I am heartened by the outpouring of support and I will formally announce my plans for Governor in the coming weeks.”
At last, Blunt has done something for the good of Missouri.
Thanks, Matt!
At least he was able to kick the democrat’s behinds but good. You tell how successful he has been by all the whining and crying democrats do.
Nixon’s penchant for stepping on it will only be enhance now. Nixon’s only hope is that Kinder is his opponent.
Mr. Walsh, your callous and insensitive comments are part of the reason that most people hate politics…bet you are the kind that spits at those in the casket, too.
I guess his bucket list is empty.
Us Democrats don’t fear Sarah Steeman OR Matt Kinder (Whoops). Well they are one and the same. Kinder backed every stupid move that Mr. Blunt accomplished, including balancing the budget on the backs of the now uninsured. Thanks Mattie, you left a wonderful legacy for Kinder or Steelman to run on. One that insured your defeat and those Republiucans that try to replace you!
Col. Jack Jackson for Missouri in ‘08!!!!!
BNB is going to be awfully disappointed come November. I will feel no regret to figuratively laugh in BNB’s face the day after the election.
I can’t help but think that Hulshof is in the running as well. It’s well known he wanted to run back in 2004. And then last year he wanted to be the President of the UM System. Clearly he’s not happy where he is.
WooHoo….am dancing in the street!! Best thing that baby Blunt has done for the state. Even with all his blunders, failures, etc., I believe he saw the “handwriting on the wall” and knew there was a less than 50% chance of being re-elected. What happens now on the republican side will be very interesting. Hope Steelman reconsiders. Would definitely vote for her. Kinder is a weak candidate that the democrats will beat in the general election. Would be surprised if a couple of candidates from the House of Represenatives don’t announce soon.
Both Col. Jackson and Hulshof could mount a decent challenge.