http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/governorma_1771.mp3
Governor Matt Blunt will not be running for re-election. This surprise announcement came late Tuesday afternoon. KSMU's Missy Shelton reports.
In a video statement that appeared on the website YouTube, Governor Matt Blunt announced he will not seek re-election.
The announcement comes after months of difficulties faced by the Governor and his administration, including a lawsuit filed by a former staff attorney over alleged violations of the state's sunshine law. Blunt did not mention the lawsuit in his statement. What he did say is that he hopes to spend more time with his family.
Blunt told Republican legislative leaders shortly before the public announcement. In an interview with dean of the statehouse press corps Phil Brooks, Senate President Pro Tem Mike Gibbons gives his take on the governor's announcement...Brooks speaks first.
Republican Representative and Majority Caucus Chairman Bob Dixon of Springfield was in a meeting with the governor and other House leaders and heard the news directly from the governor.
As news of the announcement was setting in, speculation began over who would run for governor on the Republican ticket. Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder issued a written statement indicating he'll announce whether he'll run for governor in the coming weeks. Representative Bob Dixon says he's heard the name of another possible candidate being discussed around the capitol.
Governor Matt Blunt plans to hold a news conference this morning at 9:30 to take questions about his announcement. KSMU will continue to provide coverage of this ongoing story.
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