Posted on 11/03/2004 3:37:56 PM PST by qam1
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - As a navigator on a Navy destroyer, Matt Blunt learned to chart a course with precision and discipline, never failing to keep his ship safe and on time. His work won him glowing praise.
But Blunt set aside a promising Navy career to pursue his family's political trade, mapping a path to Missouri's governor's mansion.
Now, just shy of his 34th birthday, he has arrived at his destination. On Tuesday, the Republican secretary of state defeated Democratic State Auditor Claire McCaskill to become Missouri's second-youngest elected governor.
His victory comes just six years after he left the Navy to run for the Missouri Legislature and just four years after his election as secretary of state. In November 2000, Blunt was the only Republican besides President Bush to win a statewide vote.
"Throughout my life, I've been very mission-oriented, objective-oriented," Blunt says.
He wakes every day around 5 a.m., runs six to eight miles, reads his Bible, then works virtually all day long. He limits his sweets, making sure to eat green vegetables and indulging in meat only once a day. To keep up the pace, he goes to bed before the late night news even begins.
Blunt frequently talked about values on the campaign trail, citing his opposition to abortion, gay marriage and tax increases.
Although McCaskill questioned Blunt's experience, Blunt is no political novice.
Blunt's father, Roy Blunt, served 12 years as Green County clerk before winning election as secretary of state in 1984. At the time, Matt's grandfather, Leroy Blunt, was a member of the House of Representatives. Blunt's father lost his own bid for governor in 1992.
Blunt remains in the Naval Reserves, and was called to active duty for several months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He has said he would consult with the Defense Department about whether he can remain in the reserves as governor
A Republican Governor with a Republican President!! Whoohooo!!!!
I am happy! :
Xer Ping
Ping list for the discussion of the politics and social aspects that directly effects Generation Reagan / Generation-X (Those born from 1965-1981) including all the spending previous generations (i.e. The Baby Boomers) are doing that Gen-X and Y will end up paying for.
Freep mail me to be added or dropped. See my home page for details and previous articles.
I think he could be a national figure one of these days. He has good instincts. He could be a rising star of the republican party.
Here we come, baby!
I was hoping Kobach would be :(
Matt Blunt is a great God fearing man. I am honored to have him has our governor.
Ping.
It's not Kobach's fault. It is that the moderate and conservative wings of the republican party in Kansas not getting together to back a candidate. If they got together they could defeat any democrat. I hope Kobach comes back and tries again.
Kobach said that he thought the win was due to the 1/2 million dollar ad Moore ran about Kobach being a "white supremacist".
Wow, a 34-year old GOP governor! Go Matt, go!
He is very pro-RKBA. Supported by both NRA/GOA. Last year I stated here on FR that I felt someday Matt Blunt would be a VP choice in the not to distant future. I continue to hold that belief.
So was I, Unfortunately Bill Spadea and Ed Herman also lost in their House Races
But Gen-Xer Bobby Jindal is new win and Paul Ryan was overwhelmingly re-elected
I sure that hurt but not having a solidified party behind you is a big problem. Kansas has a democrat govenor for the same reason.
Yes, he had to beat the "too young" for governor charge. I met him when he held a quick rally outside our business a few days ago. A liberal friend, an attorney, who claimed to be undecided, wanted me to ask him to give one reason he should vote for him. I asked the question and he basically said if you want the same type of government my friend should vote for his opponent.
If one can form a quick impression on a few minutes conversation it was that this guy is no pretty cupcake. He seems very steely and determined.
Watch the SOS office. Carnahan could try and change us back to those days when the dems could manufacter the city votes they needed to stay in control.
I hope everyone watches her very closely.
This is my fear, too. I think all new election laws has to go through the state legislators in Jefferson City. I figure that they won't let her get away with much.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.