The Capitol was turned upside down this week with the sudden announcement by Governor Blunt that he will not seek a second term.

For the first time in the history of our state, a sitting Governor has chosen not to run for a second term. This was the best kept secret in Jefferson City (believe me!) and you could not believe the chaos and confusion that Governor Blunt’s decision created. I have never seen so many people talking on their cell phones at one time in all my life!

Needless to say, all activity stopped while everyone, including me, tried to answer the question “why”? While rumors ran rampant and there are as many theories as there are citizens in the state, the Governor insists that he never said he would seek a second term. He accomplished most of the goals that he laid out when he ran for Governor and most importantly, he does not feel the sense of mission that he did when he first sought the office. Make no doubt about it, running for public office is hard work and if you are not totally committed, the results are usually not good. I personally visited with the Governor on Tuesday and he seemed very comfortable with his decision. When I asked him what his future plans are, he said “to be the best Governor possible for the remainder of my term and spend more time with my family”. I understand and respect his decision.

You can imagine it did not take long for potential Republican candidates to surface. By Wednesday morning, seven names were floating around. They include: Speaker of the House Rod Jetton; Lt. Governor Peter Kinder; U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshof; former U.S. Senator Jim Talent; former Speaker of the House Catherine Hanaway; State Treasurer Sarah Steelman and U.S. Congressperson Jo Ann Emerson.

I would guess that by next week this list will be shortened and there will be a healthy contest among Republicans for the honor of taking on Jay Nixon, the apparent (for now anyway) Democrat candidate for Governor.

I had planned on writing about Governor Blunt’s State of the State address, but that can wait until next week. Keep warm and be safe. You know you can always contact me with your suggestions or ideas. I can be reached at my Capitol office (573) 751-1484, or by e-mail at shannon.cooper@house.mo.gov. My mailing address is: Room 310, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.