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Issue: 960 Date: 1/15/2009
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Missouri Sen. Kit Bond won't seek re-election
Congressman Carnahan Reacts to Senator Bond's Announced Retirement
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| Missouri's senior Sen. Christopher 'Kit' Bond, R-Mo., addresses members of the Missouri House of Representatives Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, in Jefferson City, Mo. Bond, 69, announced he would not seek re-election in 2010. |
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(AP Photo/Kelley McCall)
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Republican Sen. Kit Bond announced Thursday (Jan. 08, 2009) that he will not seek re-election in 2010, saying he wants to go out "at the top of my game" and setting the stage for what one expert said could be a "land rush" for the seat.
Bond, 69, made the announcement at the state Capitol, shortly after Missouri lawmakers convened.
"Public service has been a blessing and a labor of love for me ... but I have decided that my Senate career will end after this, my fourth term," he said.
Bond was first elected to the Senate in 1986 - the only Republican that year to capture a seat previously held by a Democrat. Voters re-elected him three times. Before joining the Senate, Bond was governor and state auditor.
"In 1973, I became Missouri's youngest governor. I do not aspire to become Missouri's oldest senator," Bond said. "I'd like to retire while I'm still at the top of my game."
Bond had told crowds last year that he would be seeking re-election, and his chief of staff had also moved home to Missouri from Washington, a move seen as a strong sign Bond was laying the groundwork for another campaign.
Jeff Roe, a longtime Republican political consultant, said Thursday's announcement caught everyone off guard and predicted there would be a lively race for the seat.
"I think there will be a land rush," Roe said. "I don't think there's anyone in Missouri who's received over 10,000 votes in the last 10 years that's not thinking about running for Senate right now."
Possible GOP candidates include Rep. Roy Blunt, who recently stepped down from his post as House Minority Whip; his son, outgoing Gov. Matt Blunt; and former Sen. Jim Talent, who narrowly lost his bid for re-election in 2006 to Democrat Claire McCaskill. Other possibilities are Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and two other House members, Jo Ann Emerson and Sam Graves.
Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, the daughter of the late-Gov. Mel Carnahan and former Sen. Jean Carnahan, had been considered the strongest Democrat in a race against Bond.
Bond's retirement is the second political jolt to the Missouri GOP in as many years. Matt Blunt had stunned supporters and foes alike a year ago when he announced he would not seek a second term as governor. A contentious Republican primary resulted, and Democrat Jay Nixon ultimately won the governorship in the November election. He is to be sworn in next week.
After serving briefly as an assistant attorney general, Bond was elected state auditor in 1970. H he became Missouri's youngest governor when he was sworn in Jan. 8, 1973 - exactly 36 years before Thursday's announcement.
Bond lost re-election in 1976 only to win a rematch against Democratic Gov. Joe Teasdale in 1980.
Congressman Carnahan Reacts to Senator Bond's Announced Retirement
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congressman Russ Carnahan (MO-03) released the following statement regarding Senator Kit Bond's announced retirement from the U.S. Senate.
Since being elected to Congress, I have had the opportunity to work with Missouri's Senior Senator Kit Bond. While we haven't always agreed, he has had the willingness to work across party lines. As we face many big challenges we will continue to draw on his experience to find solutions for our state and nation. Along with other members of the Missouri delegation in Washington and citizens across the state I thank him for his many years of public service.
- Congressman Russ Carnahan
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Sen. Christopher 'Kit' Bond, R-Mo., top right, pauses during
an address to state lawmakers Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, in
Jefferson City, Mo. Bond, Missouri's senior senator,
announced he would not seek re-election in 2010. His wife,
Linda, is seated left at the dias.
(AP Photo/Kelley McCall) |
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