By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – If early fundraising is an indication, Missouri could have competitive races for nearly half its U.S. House seats next year.
Recent campaign finance reports show several races to watch. One is the 3rd District in St. Louis, where Republican challenger Ed Martin raised more money than Democratic Rep. Russ Carnahan from July through September.
In the 7th District in southwest Missouri, at least four candidates are raising money in a Republican primary to try to succeed Rep. Roy Blunt.
And in western Missouri, Republicans Bill Stouffer and Vicky Hartzler each have raised $200,000 in their quest to challenge long-time Democratic Rep. Ike Skelton.