Former state House Speaker Steve Gaw, a lawyer in Moberly and most recently a member of the Missouri Public Service Commission, just announced he’s running for Congress in Missouri’s 9th district.

A Democrat, Gaw is seeking to succeed U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia, who’s leaving his congressional post to make a bid for governor. It’a all part of the GOP musical chairs following Gov. Matt Blunt’s decision not to seek re-election.

“The people of the 9th district deserve a strong voice in Washington,” Gaw said. “We are facing challenging times with soaring gas prices, increasing utility rates, and health care costs that are out of control. We need someone in Washington who will focus on what’s important to the middle class families of this district—who will ensure that the concerns of people in our part of Missouri are heard.”

Gaw made an unsuccessful for Missouri secretary of state in 2000, losing to Blunt.

His release says that Gaw “was raised in Randolph County.  He graduated from Moberly High School, Truman State University, and the University of Missouri.  Steve and Fannie Gaw live on a farm in Callaway County with their daughter Skylar.”

Gaw served in the state House from 1993-2001. He was elected Speaker of the House in ‘96, ‘97, and ‘99.