By Maria Hickey, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – Attorney General Jay Nixon, a Democrat, filed paperwork with the state Thursday indicating he'll challenge Republican Governor Matt Blunt in 2008.
Democrats are citing a recent Zogby poll that shows 50% of Missourians would vote for Nixon and 40% for Blunt if the election were held now.
But University of Missouri St. Louis Political Science Professor David Kimball says it's very early in the race.
"I guess it's not too surprising given that the governor's approval ratings are fairly low right now, but that election is three years away and anything can happen in three years, so I wouldn't put much stock in those head-to-head polls right now, Kimball said.
His colleague, UMSL Political Science Professor David Robertson says Nixon would be a formidable candidate for the Democrats.
"I think he would be appeal to moderate Missourians, suburbanites and would run relatively well in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, and particularly in the suburbs, Robertson said.
Robertson says Governor Blunt has some weaknesses, including cuts made to the Medicaid program since the Republican took office.
A Survey USA poll in late October showed the governor with a 33 percent approval rating.