Jetton says no to bid for Missouri governor

Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton won't become the fourth candidate in the Republican primary for governor.

Jetton, R-Marble Hill, who will lose his legislative seat this year to term limits, endorsed 9th District U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof of Columbia in the campaign to succeed Gov. Matt Blunt as the GOP standard-bearer in November. Hulshof, a Bertrand, Mo., native, is making his first statewide effort and will face at least two rivals -- Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau and state Treasurer Sarah Steelman of Rolla.

Democratic Secretary of State Robin Carnahan and Republican Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields also opted against running Wednesday.

In a statement issued Wednesday morning, Jetton said he received strong encouragement to run. "I am humbled by the outpouring of support from hundreds of friends, lawmakers and supporters, who over the past few days have called and e-mailed me with words of encouragement," Jetton said.

But last week, when Jetton said he was considering a bid for the Republican nomination for governor, he added that he needed the assent of his wife, Cassie, and that he would stay out if Hulshof joined the race.

Jetton held office as a county commissioner before his election to the House in 2000. In recent years, he has started a political consulting firm. His first client was his good friend, state Sen. Jason Crowell, who is paying Jetton $4,500 a month to aid his re-election campaign.

In 2007, Jetton was paid $85,000 by various legislative candidates for his help and he has reportedly been paid $6,000 a month since last summer to help former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney's presidential campaign in Missouri.

Jetton did not return a call seeking comment on his decision or his endorsement of Hulshof.

Hulshof, a Columbia lawyer in his sixth term in the U.S. House, announced this week he would seek the GOP nomination to replace Blunt. Hulshof became the third candidate to announce, following Kinder and Steelman.

In his endorsement, Jetton highlighted Hulshof's conservative voting record, Bootheel farm roots and alluded to stands against the GOP leadership.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

rkeller@semissourian.com

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