This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Sept. 23, 2009 - Veteran Republican activist Ann Wagner has just returned from a four-year stint as ambassador to Luxembourg, an honor bestowed on her by former President George W. Bush in recognition of her years of service to the GOP.
Now back with her family at their longtime home in Ballwin, Wagner says she ready for the next phase of her life. And it may continue to include politics.
"I rule nothing in or out,'' Wagner said Tuesday night.
Her possible options may include a possible run for Congress -- which could pit her against fellow Republican Todd Akin, who has held the 2nd District seat for eight years.
When asked if she might consider such a bid, Wagner didn't say "No."
(Akin already has one announced opponent: Kirkwood Republican Liz Lauber.)
Wagner said her "coming out'' will be as a headliner at a coming event for the Missouri Republican Party. She chaired the state party for six years, from 1999 until 2005, and co-chaired the Republican National Committee during Bush's first term.
Wagner, 47, is the wife of Ray Wagner, a vice president at Enterprise Rent-a-Car and former director of the state Department of Revenue under Gov. John Ashcroft. The Wagners have three children, all of whom spent some time with their mother in Luxembourg.
But before considering her political options, Ann Wagner said she has a more immediate task to tackle: Unpacking 275 boxes that just arrived at her house, filled with her family's belongings and memorabilia from those years in Luxembourg.
