Former news anchor to run for secretary of state

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Former St. Louis news anchor Robin Smith announced Sunday she's running as a Democrat for secretary of state.

The retired KMOV-TV anchor appears to be the first Democrat to enter the 2016 race for the seat, which is opening because Democratic Secretary of State Jason Kander is running to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt.

"What Missouri needs now, more than ever, is a public servant who checks their politics at the door," Smith said in a statement. "That has been my life's work and my training. I look forward to giving Missourians straightforward, professional service as their Secretary of State."

Two Republicans are running for secretary of state: St. Louis attorney Jay Ashcroft -- son of former governor, U.S. senator and Attorney General John Ashcroft -- and state Sen. Will Kraus of Lee's Summit.

Smith started working in television news in 1974 during an internship while studying communications at Lindenwood College in St. Charles. On Sunday, she touted her more than four decades of experience in the field. She also has served on St. Louis University's Board of Trustees.

Smith said her husband Isaac "Bud" Stallworth -- a former NBA player and All-American at the University of Kansas -- will help with her campaign.

Ashcroft said he looks forward to "a clear contrast" between his platform and Smith's. Both Republican candidates have backed efforts to allow the Legislature to require voters to present photo identification at the polls as part of their campaigns.

"Really for 12 years, Missouri's had liberal Democrat secretaries of state who have really used the office to advance their own liberal agendas and personally promote themselves and really not work in favor of what's best for the people of the state," Ashcroft said. "Missourians are ready for a secretary of state who is committed to common-sense things like fighting voter fraud and passing a common-sense voter ID law."

Smith will have to start from scratch in terms of fundraising. On the Republican side, Kraus has significantly more to spend on a campaign than Ashcroft -- more than $505,700 as of June 30 compared to Ashcroft's roughly $60,600.