Former state House Speaker Steve Gaw said Friday he is running for Congress, seeking the seat left open during the political jockeying that followed Gov. Matt Blunt's decision not to seek re-election.

Republican Rep. Kenny Hulshof is foregoing re-election in the 9th Congressional District to instead run for governor.

The allure of a suddenly open congressional seat drew Gaw, just as an open Governor's Mansion had enticed Hulshof to leave Congress.

Gaw, a Democrat, said the lack of an incumbent levels the playing field in regard to campaign money and is a chance to fairly discuss the issues.

Gaw, 50, was a member of the Missouri House from 1993 to 2001, serving as speaker from 1996 until he left office. He lost a 2000 bid for secretary of state to Blunt, but soon thereafter was appointed to the Missouri Public Service Commission, which regulates investor-owned utilities. His term there expired last year.

Since Blunt's announcement, Hulshof, Treasurer Sarah Steelman and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder all have entered the Republican gubernatorial race. Attorney General Jay Nixon is running in the Democratic primary.

Candidacy filing for Missouri offices runs from Feb. 26 through March 25. The primaries are scheduled for Aug. 5, and the general election in November.

Leave a comment