Sarah Steelman has launched her bid for the Republican nomination for the US Senate race against Claire McCaskill. Steelman is a questionable candidate who angered the GOP in 2008 by weakening the eventual nominee Kenny Hulshof in a nasty campaign launched by Steelman. Her announcement may set up a rematch between her and Hulshof, as well as a number of other campaigns.
Some of the other candidates who may challenge for the nomination include Jim Talent, the former US Senator defeated during the Democratic sweeps of 2006, who I hope decides to run. I had the opportunity to listen to Talent at a Lincoln Day event and the man is one of the most brilliant men I have listened to speak in the field of politics. I don't think Missourians understood the value of Talent when they showed him the door in 2006. Talent currently is a contributor to the Heritage Foundation, and has proven himself to be a solid conservative.
Also Chuck Purgason, the Tea Party favorite may also decide to run. I endorsed Chuck in the republican primary against Roy Blunt, and he is a true Constitutional conservative. His numbers in the Republican primary were disappointing against the Blunt machine. They may prove to be enough to keep him away from 2012.
Former Governor Matt Blunt's name comes up in political circles. The problem here is would Missourians accept a Blunt/Blunt combination in the United States Senate. I think it's doubtful and he might hold out to challenge political dufus Billy Long in the 2012 race as I am hearing Republicans are concerned over Long's lack of knowledge and unprofessionalism he displayed in Washington DC during freshman orientation. Rumor has it the party may be looking for a heavy hitter to oppose Long in 2012.
Paul Curtman is a former Marine from Jefferson County who is a state representative. He is a real Constitutional conservative that people can trust. He is inspirational and understands the message of the founding fathers and isn't pretending to be a political outsider like Sarah Steelman, who is really party of the establishment and part of the who's next in line problem in politics today.
Finally, Ann Wagner has proved herself to be a real leader in the Republican revolution in the Missouri state house. She is currently shopping for the job of GOP chair to replace Michael Steele, but she may be interested in the US Senate job if her leadership gets overlooked.
Whoever faces Sarah Steelman, they best prepared for her nasty campaign tactics that she used against Hulshof in 2008. Steelman obviously isn't committed to Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment, just like another candidate she endorsed for the US House, Billy Long, who followed her nasty lead to attack fellow Republicans.