Former state Sen. Ken Jacob was a quote machine yesterday afternoon after joining the crowded Ninth District Congressional race to replace U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, who is running for governor. No doubt, Jacob was sending a message to possible Republican opponent Brock Olivo, the former MU football player, by wearing an MU gold tie to filing. As reported on the mother ship, Jacob is proud of his MU connections.

But he’s also worried about Olivo’s grip. “I shook hands with him once,” Jacob said of the former football player, “and I don’t think I will again.” He wasn’t taking a shot at his possible opponent, but pointed out that while Jacob thinks he’s a “pretty strong guy,” Olivo practically “crushed his hand.”

One other Jacob note: Lately, he’s been sporting a beard, but on Tuesday he was down to stubble. Jacob says that before his first ever run for office, a school board run in Columbia, Democratic scion Roger Wilson suggested he shave his beard. Jacob said he hasn’t talked to Wilson for advice this time, but it looks like the beard might be a political casualty.