Matt Blunt declares candidacy for governor

STRAFFORD, Mo. -- Republican Secretary of State Matt Blunt formally launched his candidacy for governor Wednesday, declaring education his top priority during a series of campaign events at public schools and colleges across the state.

Blunt made official what had been assumed for nearly a year during a news conference in the high school gymnasium in his hometown of Strafford. It was his first stop in a two-day, 10-city campaign tour.

He is scheduled to hold a news conference in Cape Girardeau at 8:30 a.m. today in the University Center Party Room.

"We must create schools that are second to none," Blunt told the southwest Missouri crowd. "It will be a priority for my administration."

Blunt and wife, Melanie, entered the Strafford High School gym to the John Mellencamp song "Small Town," and were cheered by party faithful standing on the floor and students who filled the bleachers. They were joined by his mother and father, Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., the Majority Whip in the U.S. House, who ran unsuccessfully for governor 12 years ago.

Remains unchallengedBlunt, 33, has long been the presumptive Republican candidate for governor and remains unchallenged. He began building a campaign team and fund-raising several months ago under the generic banner of "Matt Blunt, Effective Leadership 2004."

"Our destination is clear. The days of division are numbered," Blunt said. "Today we unite to bring Missouri a better future."

After repeating his announcement at a Jefferson City school theater, a crowd of about 200, including many Republican state lawmakers, chanted: "Help's on the way!" Republicans control both the House and Senate, but have been at odds repeatedly with Democratic Gov. Bob Holden.

Critical of Holden

Blunt did not mention Holden by name, although he made it clear he believes Holden was wrong to withhold nearly $200 million of the $4.55 billion appropriated for elementary and secondary education at the July start of the state fiscal year.

Holden claims the budget passed by the Republican-led legislature lacks enough revenue to fulfill its spending commitments, although he did release $83 million to schools and colleges in December after receiving an unexpected influx of federal money.

The state Supreme Court upheld Holden's action. More than 240 districts, however, filed a lawsuit Jan. 6 challenging the way the state distributes money to public schools. Holden supports the lawsuit and believes new taxes and revenue are needed to fund public schools.

Blunt said schools could be adequately funded without new taxes by redirecting state resources under a more efficient government. He said the lawsuit would be unnecessary under his administration.

"Should I be elected governor of this great state, I pledge that schools will not begin a new year with less money than they had the year before," he said.

Holden, in suburban St. Louis to announced a new effort to strengthen Missouri's auto industry, said education remains his top priority as well. He said he hoped for Blunt's help in working with the Republican leadership in the Legislature to provide all the money needed by the state's schools.

Blunt also designated roads, taxes, health care and reduced government spending as priorities. He pointed to his success in reducing spending by 14 percent and the work force by 11 percent in the Secretary of State's office as proof he could stretch taxpayer dollars. Making the government more thrifty would lead to extra money to fulfill his election promises, he said.

Unlike the Democrats, there is no indication Blunt will face a well-known challenger in the Aug. 3 primary election. Holden, 54, faces an intraparty challenge from State Auditor Claire McCaskill, 50.

Caleb Weaver, a spokesman for Holden's campaign, questioned why Blunt remained silent in recent months while the governor and Legislature butted heads over education.

"Obviously we would like it if Matt Blunt would show a little leadership and join the governor in pushing for more money for education," he said.

The McCaskill camp said it was worried that elementary and secondary educators were not efficiently using the money they receive.

"She wants to do more to wrangle in administrative costs that seems to be exploding to ensure that more money makes it into the classroom," said Glenn Campbell, spokesman for McCaskill's campaign.

At a later stop at Saint Louis University, Blunt was greeted by more than 100 supporters who waved flags and held "Blunt For Governor" signs.

"Welcome to the beginning of the end of the Bob Holden administration," said Ann Wagner, the co-chair of the Republican National Committee and chairwoman of the Missouri Republican Party. "The people of Missouri have suffered enough. It's time for Bob Holden to go."

Blunt followed his father's career path by winning election as secretary of state in 2000. Before that, Matt Blunt spent a single two-year term in the Missouri House and served in the Navy. He remains a member of the Naval Reserves.

Blunt was born in Strafford and attended elementary and junior high school there. He graduated from high school in Jefferson City, where his family moved after his father was elected secretary of state in 1984.

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On the Net

Secretary of State Matt Blunt: www.sos.mo.gov

Blunt campaign site: mattblunt.com