This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Oct. 6, 2011 - A third Republican -- but only the first from the state House -- may be jumping into the re-energized contest for Missouri secretary of state.
House Speaker Pro Tem Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, told the Beacon today that he is seriously considering a bid for the post since Democratic incumbent Robin Carnahan announced last week she has wasn't seeking re-election.
"We're taking a very serious look at it," Schoeller said. "We're trying to visit with friends and supporters, not only back home, but across the state. I think we're taking a look at maybe pitching in for that race."
Schoeller said he hoped to make a decision by the end of the month.
State Sen. Scott Rupp, R-Wentzville, and Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, already have announced they are running for the GOP nomination.
So far, only one Demcrat -- state Rep. Jason Kander, D-Kansas City -- has declared his candidacy. Earlier this week, Kander rolled out a list of Democratic supporters, many of whom were St. Louis lawmakers.
Schoeller could have some professional and political advantages, particularly in a GOP primary. He is from southwest Missouri, one of the state's largest bloc of Republican votes.
Moreover, Schoeller worked in the secretary of state's office when Matt Blunt held the post. Schoeller was Blunt's chief administrative aide and says he got a sense of how the office operated.
"In that aspect, I got to work with all the different departments and get to learn what they do and how they relate to the services they give the state," Schoeller said.
Overall, he added, "I want to know that I have the best skills to bring to the table and that's the decision that I'm making," said Schoeller. "I think being from southwest Missouri is very important. I hope that would factor in if I get into this race and hopefully [be helpful] for winning the primary and the general."
Schoeller's association with both Matt Blunt, who went on to become governor, and his father, U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., also could be advantageous. Roy Blunt, for example, cruised to a landslide victory against Carnahan in the 2010 U.S. Senate contest. Schoeller said both Roy and Matt Blunt are "two individuals you certainly learn a great deal from in watching them how they interact with the public and be successful."
"I haven't had a chance to have a personal conversation with them," Schoeller said. "But I'm certainly going to do that before I make a final decision. ... Certainly I would want their help, but I would not rely on them as the source to why I would win, necessarily."
Meanwhile, another Republican talked about the post -- state Rep. John Diehl, R-Town and Country -- said he is not running. Diehl is the former chairman of the St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners.
"I've got my hands full here," Diehl said. "I'm happy in the House and I'm happy I've got a good path here in the House. And that's what my energies are focused on."
Diehl added that Schoeller "would make a great secretary of state."
Jason Rosenbaum, a freelance journalist in St. Louis, covers state government and politics.