Sifton drops out of race for Missouri attorney general

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- State Sen. Scott Sifton says he's dropping out of the race for Missouri attorney general in 2016 and instead will seek re-election to his Senate seat.

He had faced a potential primary race against fellow Democrat and St. Louis County Assessor Jake Zimmerman.

As of June 30, Zimmerman had nearly twice as much money to spend on a campaign as Sifton did, with roughly $921,000 compared to Sifton's $488,000.

The Missouri attorney general's office will be open next year because Democratic incumbent Chris Koster has said he plans to run for governor.

Two Republicans also have announced their candidacies for attorney general.

Republicans Sen. Kurt Schaefer of Columbia and Columbia attorney Josh Hawley also are running.