Blunt courts support for governor's race in 2004

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Secretary of State Matt Blunt has asked several Republican lawmakers for their support if he runs for governor in 2004, the senators said.

The 32-year-old Blunt has not made an announcement about his future plans. But several Republican senators contacted by the Columbia Daily Tribune Friday confirmed that Blunt has sought their support in recent weeks.

Michael Gibbons, a Kirkwood Republican who will be majority floor leader in the Senate next year, said Blunt told him "he's running and would hope to have my support.

"I think he'd be an outstanding governor," Gibbons said.

Delbert Scott, of Lowry City, who was elected to the Senate in November, said Blunt called him and "he is planning on running, is my understanding." Scott said he will support Blunt.

Several Republicans have been mentioned as possible challengers to Democratic Gov. Bob Holden, including U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof of Columbia.

Hulshof, who begins his fourth congressional term in January, has said he is interested in the race. He and Blunt met last month in Columbia, but neither man has disclosed what they discussed.

Blunt's spokesman, Spence Jackson, said Friday that the secretary of state is focused on that job and the upcoming legislative session.

"There's just nothing in the way of a formal announcement that he's going to make about any race in 2004," Jackson said.