The oh-so-quiet Sarah Steelman, who has had a tiny carbon footprint in terms of her media exposure since her loss in the Republican primary for governor, was one of the first Missouri politicos to heap praise on John McCain’s choice of a running mate.

Says Treasurer Steelman, in a statement e-mailed from her state office:

“I am thrilled with John McCain’s bold selection of Sarah Palin for Vice President. Governor Palin represents the direction and principle that our nation needs.

“As Governor she has fought for the people of her state and for a government that truly serves them. In Alaska, she fought against cronyism and corruption and restored faith in what principled leadership can accomplish. In battling wasteful and reckless spending by Congress, Governor Palin called for a ban on earmarks, even when they would benefit her state. That’s the kind of leadership America needs.”

Meanwhile, it’s been several weeks since Steelman lost to Kenny Hulshof, and a couple of weeks since they met and Hulshof’s campaign promised forthcoming statements, and still no word from Steelman on that race, right here in Missouri.

Interesting.