By KWMU
Kansas City, MO – Missouri Senator Kit Bond officially kicked off his re-election campaign Sunday at rallies in Kansas City and Columbia.
He'll make a similar announcement Monday in the St. Louis area.
He told supporters Sunday they should re-elect him based on his three terms's experience in the U.S. Senate. He says that experience will be needed to help protect the homeland and create jobs.
"Together we'll meet these challenges and build the kind of communities and kind of country we want to preserve and pass on to our children," Bond said Sunday in Kansas City.
"That's why I'm running for reelection to the United States Senate and I'm asking you to help me," he added to a throng of cheers.
The 65-year-old Bond has a long history in Missouri politics. He became Governor when he was just 33, was voted out after one term, but voters later returned him to the Governor's mansion. Bond has been a U.S. Senator since 1987.
He'll face the winner of an August 3 Democratic primary. St Louis businessman Charles Berry and State treasurer Nancy Farmer are both running to be the Democrats' nominee.
Kevin Tull of Kansas City is the Libertarian candidate.