Missouri’s political chattering class will be watching the clock today, waiting for 5 p.m.

It’s not because they are eager to head home - for many, it’s about the work that could lie ahead.

As Jeff City bureau chief Virginia Young told us earlier, filing for the August primary ends today.

Will there be any 4:59 surprises? Perhaps.

One person about to file, we are told, is Cole McNary, the 43-year-old son of local GOP heavyweight Gene McNary, the executive director of the state Gaming Commission and former St. Louis County Exeuctive.

The younger McNary will be joining the crowded Republican primary to replace State Rep. Jane Cunningham of Chesterfield.

The Arch City Chronicle reports that State Sen. Chuck Graham has found a primary opponent in the form of a pro-midwife physician.

Other moves to watch for is whether Tom Villa will jump into the 5^th District Senate race, and whether State Rep. Jim Avery will seek to replace Mike Gibbons in the Senate.