STATE GOP NEEDS TO EVALUATE ITS POTENTIAL

Missouri Republicans, meeting recently for the annual Lincoln Days celebration, began plotting fund-raising plans and campaign strategy for future elections. The state GOP has set an ambition goal of raising $1 million this year to prepare for key races down the road.

It is good that the party which now controls six of the 11 seats in Congress (two U.S. senators and nine U.S. representatives) is focusing on strategy and fund-raising.

But it is less encouraging to hear key Republicans list U.S. Rep. Jim Talent or his new colleague, U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, as potential candidates for governor. Both have made impressive gains in reaching their congressional seats, and a strong, conservative representation in Washington is crucial for Missouri.

What the Missouri GOP needs is to identify strong candidates with solid credentials -- men and women who are already making their voices heard -- to move up to the top statewide positions, including the governor's office.