Steelman Time?

Hold the phone!

It appears that former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman could also officially throw her proverbial hat into next year's U.S. Senate contest.

Here's a statement from the former statewide official.

"I am continuing to explore a run for U.S. Senate because hard working men and women who love this country are looking for a better way. Missourians know we have to hold people accountable for their bad decisions; the bail outs, the earmarks, the self-dealing and the cozy relationships between congressmen and lobbyists.  These actions have undermined the trust in our institutions, devastated the American economy, and have shown disrespect for the hard-working people of this state and country.

Too many Americans are paying for Washington's failures in the form of lost jobs and shrinking income, but they still stand ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work to create a better future. Missouri's next U.S. Senator must stand with them to credibly address our economic problems and demonstrate to Missourians that she has the courage to stand up to Washington's power brokers."

Steelman has been mulling a U.S. Senate bid ever since U.S. Sen. Kit Bond, R-Missouri, announced that he would not seek re-election. She lost to U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia, in last year's GOP primary for governor.