By KWMU
St. Louis, MO – A St. Louis attorney has decided to stay out of the 2010 race to replace retiring Senator Kit Bond, despite heavy courting from a Republican party heavyweight.
Thomas Schweich served in the administration of President George W. Bush. Former senator John Danforth had pushed Schweich's candidacy as alternative to the Republican frontrunner, Representative Roy Blunt.
But Schweich said Thursdsay that he wants to avoid a divisive primary and keep the seat in Republican hands.
Blunt is the only Republican candidate to officially announce his intentions, though former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman is also considering a run.
Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is currently the only declared Democratic candidate.