State Rep. Connie Johnson sent out a note today announcing that she is in the Senate race to win - and not to help somebody else.

Johnson’s late entry into what is now a three-way contest has sparked some scuttlebutt that her campaign is an attempt to benefit Rodney Hubbard by splitting the female vote with Robin Wright-Jones.

Not true, Johnson says in an e-mail to supporters:

No need to speculate why I filed. NO deals have been cut. I am not a stalking horse. I have no personal animosity or vendetta against the other candidates. I’m in this race because of my commitment to public service and desire to work for the common good of ALL Missourians.

In her message, Johnson also thanks State Rep. Tom Villa, who showed a “commitment to peace and harmony” by not entering the race, even though he surely would have benefited from a split black electorate.

Johnson: Not a stalking horse