In a conference call today with grassroots supporters, U.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond said he wouldn’t endorse a candidate in the 2010 Republican primary to succeed him — unless the race turns nasty.

Bond said he announced his intent to retire two years early “to make room for one of the many qualified Missourians to take the baton.”

“I don’t know how many people are going to run, but I would hope they would all keep it on a high level,” he said. “I hope it’s a clean and above-board campaign.”

If it is, Bond said he would not get involved in the primary. But he did promise to campaign heavily in the general election.

“I’m confident that with your help we’ll be able to carry the state for another Republican senator who I hope will be able to serve longer than I am.”

Supporters on the call thanked Bond for his service. Some said they came from families where three generations had worked for him. Bond had a story that topped that.

A new volunteer told Bond he had heard about the senator’s service. Bond asked if the youth’s parents or grandparents had been backers.

Bond related that the young man said no, “‘I read about you in the history books.’

“That tells you you’ve been at it awhile,” Bond deadpanned.