One of the obvious potential candidates is Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, the only Republican to survive the Democratic sweep of state offices in November. Kinder shied away from a primary for governor last year when Matt Blunt abruptly announced he would not seek re-election. He made that decision after initially being the first to jump into the fray,

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson has issued a statement about Bond's retirement but was silent about her own plans.

"Kit Bond has been an outstanding U.S. Senator, Governor and Auditor, as well as a dear friend. His representation to our state and our nation is unparalleled, and he leaves a legacy of service for every Missourian to live up to," Emerson said in the statement issued a little while ago.

Emerson toyed briefly with the idea of running for governor last year when Matt Blunt abruptly announced he would not seek another term, but she pulled back.

Others who we will likely hear from in coming days include Kenny Hulshof, the GOP nominee for governor who was defeated by Jay Nixon, as well as U.S. Reps. Todd Akin of St. Louis County and Sam Graves of Tarkio. I expect that Sarah Steelman, the outgoing state Treasurer who lost a close primary to Hulshof, will also have something to say about the contest. Don't count former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent, loser of a close contest to Claire McCaskill in 2006, as a potential candidate as well.

The scramble has begun.