This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Oct. 21, 2011 - The Republican race for secretary of state could more crowded by Monday.
House Speaker Pro Tem Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, sent out a media advisory Friday with the title "Conservative State Representative Shane Schoeller toMake Major Campaign Announcement." He'll make the announcement on Monday on the steps of the Greene County Courthouse in Springfield.
Schoeller told the Beacon earlier this month that he was taking a serious look at running to replace Democratic Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, a Democrat who is not seeking a third term. Before he was elected to the legislature, Schoeller worked in the office when Republican Matt Blunt served as secretary of state.
Schoeller offered another hint this week that he was gravitating toward running for the post, when he introduced legislation eliminating the presidential primary in 2012. The secretary of state serves as the state's chief elections official.
Two other Republicans -- state Sens. Scott Rupp, R-Wentzville, and Bill Stouffer, R-Napton -- already have announced their intent to run for secretary of state. Schoeller could be at an advantage by having a base in GOP-rich southwest Missouri, and through his ties with Matt Blunt and U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.
State Rep. Jason Kander, D-Kansas City, is the only announced Democratic candidate for the statewide office.
