Terry Ganey wrote in today's edition of the Columbia Daily Tribune that state Rep. Steve Hobbs, R-Mexico, will run for Audrain County presiding commissioner.
The county news has ramifications for state politics, as it could give Rep. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, a free shot of sorts at the GOP nomination against Sen. Wes Shoemyer, D-Clarence. Both Munzlinger and Hobbs live in the sprawling 18th Senate District, and both have created campaign finance committees to run against Shoemyer.
While there will likely be a number of intriguing primaries for state Senate seats in 2010, there are only a handful of general election races that could be competitive. The 18th District race is probably on the list, as Shoemyer narrowly beat then-Rep. Bob Behnen in 2006 in one of the most expensive legislative contests of that cycle.
The other election that could be competitive in November 2010 is the race to replace Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph. Rep. Martin Rucker, D-St. Joseph, is for sure running as a Democratic side. In an interesting parallel, Reps. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, and Jason Brown, R-Platte County, have been seen as Republican contenders. But Brown may run for Platte County Presiding Commissioner instead.
Regardless, it is pretty much a certainty that the Republicans will keep control of the Senate after 2010.
Comments