MO-Senate: Bond to Retire (Open GOP seat in 2010)

The Washington Post ^ | January 8, 2009 | Chris Cillizza

[St. Louis Conservative]

Bond is the third Republican Senator to leave the chamber in 2010 -- following Sens. Sam Brownback (Kans.) and Mel Martinez (Fla.) down that path. Democrats are expected to heavily target all three seats.

Bond's retirement ends a long -- and, at times, rocky -- career in Missouri politics that began more than four decades ago when he ran and lost a race for Congress. In 1970, Bond bounced back to be elected state auditor and two years after that was elected governor of the Show Me State. In 1976 he was defeated for re-election but in 1980 reclaimed the office. (We told you it was a long and rocky career.) In 1986, Bond won a Senate seat and had managed to hold the seat ever since -- winning re-election to a fourth term in 2004 with 56 percent, his highest share of the vote ever.

Bond's retirement makes a candidacy by Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, the daughter of the late Governor Mel and former Senator Jean Carnahan, even more likely. Robin Carnahan had made no secret of the fact she was thinking about the race before Bond's decision. Another potential candidate is state Attorney General Chris Koster although Carnahan has the right of first refusal.

The Republican bench is thinner. The three names likely to get significant attention over the next few days are former Sen. Jim Talent, former Rep. Kenny Hulshof and Rep. Roy Blunt.

Talent, who served in the House during the 1990s, lost a run for governor in 2000 but bounced back two years later to defeat Jean Carnahan. Talent lost to Sen. Claire McCaskill in his bid for a full term in 2006.

[fieldmarshaldj]

We’ll probably lose all 3. If Paterson appoints little Caroline Schlossberg, Andy Cuomo will beat her in the Dem primary, and that seat is gone. Biden’s seat is being held for his progeny to claim it. And unless a giant is found in IL, Burris or no Burris in ‘10, they’ll probably hold it, too. Sickening.

[Big_Monkey]

"Well, that is another state we can kiss goodbye."

We are quickly running out of states. Might be time to consolidate and move towards secession II.

[AmericanGirlRising]

good catch - thanks. I’ve added them to the list:

Senators Seats (re-elections, retirements, term completions) 2010:

McCain (AZ) (R)
Voinovich (OH) (R)
Gregg (NH) (R)
Specter (PA) (R)
Burr (NC) (R)
Mel Martinez (FL) (R) (retiring - open seat)
Sam Brownback (KS) (R) (retiring - open seat)
Kit Bond (MO) (R) (retiring - open seat)

Bayh (IN) (D)
Lincoln (AR) (D)
Dorgan (ND) (D)
Salazar (CO) (D)
Reid (NV) (D)
Clinton (NY) (D) (seat will be filled for the balance of 09-10)
Biden (DE) (D) (seat will be filled for the balance of 09-10)
Obama/Burris (IL) (D) (seat will be filled for the balance of 09-10)

[bassmaner]

Any chance for pickup by unseating Dingy Harry in NV and Dorgan in ND?

[Russ]

Of course the GOP will lose every seat in 2010. The Dems learned in this last election that if they lose any close elections just call for a recount, sit back, be patient and you will win on the second or third recount.

[wk4bush2004]

“Sarah Steelman would be the best candidate”

I agree, wholeheartedly! I voted for Steelman in the primary and I think she’d be a great candidate for Senate. I live in Southwest Missouri and Steelman has A LOT of support around here! There were signs for her everywhere over the summer.

I just hope we don’t get another Claire McCaskill.....

[redstateconfidential]

Politics and the country’s mood are not linear.What looks solid for the Hate America crowd may be a Swamp of Curses by only a few events.

[MSSC6644]

Yes. He’s a gutless weasel who peed his pants when he heard big bad Jay Nixon was going to run against him for Governor and ran away instead, leaving Nixon to waltz right on in. No rewards for cowards.

Thanks for the insight.

[LdSentinal]

Well, I agree NY is hopeless. Any Republican living here are fleeing the state. Peter King will lose to either Cuomo or "You Know" Kennedy.

Delaware, Michael Castle is our only hope.

For Illinois, let's just hope Burris survives the Dem Senate primary.

[jveritas]

There should be more than 13 Senators up for re-election in 2010. Usually it is 33 Senators who are up for re-election every 2 years.

[AuH2ORepublican]

What about Graves?

[AmericanGirlRising]

Dingy is quite vulnerable. Dorgan is unknown and the seat will rely on the quality of opposition.

[AmericanGirlRising]

This is just my starting list (16). Any other additions you have are surely welcome.

[Big_Monkey]

"What looks solid for the Hate America crowd may be a Swamp of Curses by only a few events."

I continue to hope against hope, but it gets harder every year. I have argued with my friends that if it wasn't for a slutty intern and her strange predilection for saving soiled clothing, Al Gore would have easily won election. Remember, Clinton's approval rating was above 60% (proving that 60% of Americans are Godless idiots.

We now have a media that is shamelessly propagandizing for the left. There isn't even a pretense of balance anymore. Unless Barry gets caught, on film, molesting young boys on the Oval Office desk, I don't see how he doesn't get re-elected in four years.

[Theodore R.]

Burr is in big trouble, for he supported open borders. That football player from Asheville should win easily.

[Non-Sequitur]

What about Matt Blount? You think this is what he had in mind when he decided not to run for reelection as governor?

[Theodore R.]

LA’s Vitter is also highly vulnerable.

[Just mythoughts]

No way to Jo Ann Emerson. She is a RINO if there ever was one. Her husband is a big time Dem too. She was one of 4 Republicans to vote against the surge and votes for every bloated bill that comes down the pike, Highway Bill, Farm Bill, Energy bill, etc.

What is her husband's name?

[Non-Sequitur]

Dingy is quite vulnerable.

To who? You need a viable candidate to run against him.

[misterrob]

In 2 years people will be screaming for heads to roll. No imcumbant is going to be safe save for those in deep Red or Blue states and districts.