Hulshof to run for governor

Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R-Mo.) announced his candidacy for the newly open Missouri governorship Tuesday, adding to a growing list of vacated GOP seats that now number more than two dozen.

{mosads}Hulshof joins a crowded primary that already includes the lieutenant governor and state treasurer. The seat became open when Gov. Matt Blunt (R), the son of House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), unexpectedly announced last week that he would not seek reelection.

Hulshof informed the media and supporters of his decision in an e-mail.

GOP Reps. Jo Ann Emerson and Sam Graves have both declined to pursue the governorship.

On the Democratic side, Attorney General Jay Nixon has been running and raising money for months. Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is also thinking about entering the race.