GOP gubernatorial race up for grabs
Patrick Greene
Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: Voices
Although much of the chaos has died down, the Missouri Republican Party still faces several problems in holding the governor's mansion in the November elections. Following incumbent Governor Matt Blunt's decision not to seek re-election, a double-handful of GOP hopefuls began plotting to seek the nomination.
Former Senator Jim Talent decided early on that he would not run, while current Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder made a surprise exit from the race after establishing a campaign staff and procuring significant fundraising and advertising buys. The two candidates republicans will have to choose from are Congressman Kenny Hulshof and Treasurer Sarah Steelman.
Hulshof has the appearance of being the choice of the state party establishment. First elected to Congress in 1996, Hulshof represents a district centered around Columbia and has compiled a fairly conservative voting record in Washington, especially on social issues. He briefly considered running for governor in 2004 before deciding not to run. More recently, Hulshof very publicly flirted with resigning his seat in Congress to become the next president of the University of Missouri. He announced his candidacy for governor shortly after Blunt chose not to run again.
Steelman, who recently visited Drury on a campaign stop, presents herself as more of a challenger in this race despite having several family ties to the Missouri GOP. She previously served in the state senate starting in 1998 representing a district around Rolla. Six years later Steelman was elected the Missouri state treasurer. Her tenure as treasurer has been highlighted by her plans to divest Missouri funds from terrorism-related business ventures and establish the MOST college savings plan, a tax-related plan to help Missourians pay for college costs.
Either candidate faces an uphill battle against Jay Nixon, the current attorney general who has been running for several years. But Missouri republicans are fortunate, however, in that they have two solid candidates to choose from on August 5.
Former Senator Jim Talent decided early on that he would not run, while current Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder made a surprise exit from the race after establishing a campaign staff and procuring significant fundraising and advertising buys. The two candidates republicans will have to choose from are Congressman Kenny Hulshof and Treasurer Sarah Steelman.
Hulshof has the appearance of being the choice of the state party establishment. First elected to Congress in 1996, Hulshof represents a district centered around Columbia and has compiled a fairly conservative voting record in Washington, especially on social issues. He briefly considered running for governor in 2004 before deciding not to run. More recently, Hulshof very publicly flirted with resigning his seat in Congress to become the next president of the University of Missouri. He announced his candidacy for governor shortly after Blunt chose not to run again.
Steelman, who recently visited Drury on a campaign stop, presents herself as more of a challenger in this race despite having several family ties to the Missouri GOP. She previously served in the state senate starting in 1998 representing a district around Rolla. Six years later Steelman was elected the Missouri state treasurer. Her tenure as treasurer has been highlighted by her plans to divest Missouri funds from terrorism-related business ventures and establish the MOST college savings plan, a tax-related plan to help Missourians pay for college costs.
Either candidate faces an uphill battle against Jay Nixon, the current attorney general who has been running for several years. But Missouri republicans are fortunate, however, in that they have two solid candidates to choose from on August 5.
Article last update: 3/25/08 at 8:26 PM CST
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
theregulator
posted 3/26/08 @ 9:54 AM CST
I think that the Lt. Governor has done a better job on handling this crisis than any other politician in the nation. I live in a flooded area and it was good to see Mr. (Continued…)
Post a Comment