Blunt picks up Kit Bond endorsement

by Jeremy P. Jacobs - 05/08/09 2:15 PM ET

Republican Congressman Roy Blunt (Mo.) on Friday picked up the endorsement of retiring Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.) in his run for Bond’s Senate seat.

Blunt, of course, tweeted the news to his followers on Twitter.

I was very pleased to be endorsed this morning by Senator Bond, Congresswoman [Jo Ann] Emerson and grassroots supporters.

Bond’s endorsement is likely a very welcome one since Blunt’s campaign hasn’t exactly gotten off to a smooth start. Blunt’s poor first quarter fundraising ($550,000) was nearly doubled by Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, the leading Democrat in the race.

The slow fundraising quarter also likely pushed state Treasurer Sarah Steelman into the race. Steelman has formed and exploratory committee but has not officially announced, though most consider it a foregone conclusion.

And Blunt’s match up with Steelman has already gotten off to a rocky start as the two have already traded blows over earmarks.

Crossposted at the Twitter Room.

jeremy.jacobs@digital-staging.thehill.com