Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R) said Monday that she will not run to replace Gov. Matt Blunt (R), who announced last week that he is not seeking re-election.

“I am going to adhere to my calling to serve our Congressional District in Congress, and I am not going to run for governor,” Emerson said in a statement. “I can’t close the door to any future opportunity, but ending my service to the Eighth District in Congress requires a darn good reason, and today, for me, the race for governor just isn’t it. I’m also announcing today that I will file to run for re-election to the U.S. Congress, and I am very much looking forward to that campaign.”

Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R) remains undecided on the gubernatorial race, and other Republicans continue to look at the possibility of running. State Attorney General Jay Nixon is the likely Democratic nominee.
— Matthew Murray