By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton is considering running for governor, following Tuesday's announcement that Matt Blunt will not seek re-election.
Jetton (R, Marble Hill) says he's already receiving phone calls from citizens and political leaders urging him to get into the race.
"It's something I'm thinking about...I obviously have to talk it over with my wife (and) with my caucus members, because I'm still focused on what we have to do here as Speaker in my last year," Jetton said.
Jetton added that it's not too late for any Republican to get into the race and have a very competitive campaign with Jay Nixon, the lone Democrat running for governor.
"(Gov. Blunt's announcement) was so unexpected it just kind of caught me off guard, but it is something that I would consider," Jetton said.
Senate President Pro-tem Michael Gibbons (R, Kirkwood) says he's not interested in running for governor. Gibbons is seeking the Republican nomination for Attorney General.