Count Charlie Shields out of the run for the Republican nomination for governor.

The Senate Majority Leader said Wednesday he would not run. Instead, he’ll try to become the Senate president pro tem. The St. Joseph lawmaker had considered a bid when Gov. Matt Blunt announced he would not seek a second term.

Rep. Kenny Hulshof, state Treasurer Sarah Steelman and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder have all thrown their hats in the ring.

And that’s one of the reasons Shields’ hat will not go in. He said it would be best for the Republican party to unite behind one candidate.

“I will work everyday to unify Republicans behind one candidate. There are very clear and real differences between our Republican candidates and Jay Nixon.”

 But he didn’t say which candidate he would back.