So far, there are 10 candidates who have statewide commitees for 2008 according to the Missouri Ethics Commission. Eight of these commitees are serious possibilities for statewide races in Missouri for 2008. It should be noted that candidates for specific statewide offices are not listed on this search.
So here are the candidates with commitees so far: Steve Gaw (D-Moberly, dormant committee), Joe Maxwell (D-Mexico, former Lt. Gov, a possible candidate), Chuck Gross (R-St. Charles, State Senator), Sarah Steelman (R-Rolla, State Treasurer), Maida Coleman (D-St. Louis, State Senator), Delbert Scott (R-Lowry City, State Senator), Jack Jackson (R-Wildwood, Former House Member, Auditor Candidate), Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill, House Speaker), Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph, State Senator), and Harry Kennedy (D-St. Louis, State Senator)
As noted, Gaw's committee is probably a dormant commitee from his 2000 Secretary of State candidacy. Joe Maxwell could run for something in 2008, but I haven't heard anything big there.
Kennedy and Gross are term-limited and out after 2008. I think Coleman might be out after 2008 too. Scott and Shields are gone after 2010.
Steelman only helps to increase intrigue about the possibility of her running against Blunt (which would be an unsuccessful run in my point of view).
So the field of candidates is slightly narrow. Here are the options for both parties.
Governor
Jay Nixon is most likely running for Governor. I don't expect a serious challenge there.
Matt Blunt might face someone who'll be foolish enough to challenge him in a primary. But, Blunt is pretty likely to beat anybody by a large margin in a primary. Unless that person just catches fire.
Lt. Governor
The top statewide race when it comes to Democrats running against each other will probably be for Lt. Governor. I guess it might be the target of prominent Democrats.
I don't think anybody is gonna challenge Kinder on the Republican side.
Secretary of State
Robin Carnahan is running for re-election for Secretary of State, so don't worry.
I have a suspicion that Delbert Scott wants to run for Secretary of State. His biggest piece of legislation in the 05/06 session was the Unconstitional Voter ID bill.
State Treasurer
In the Treasurers race, someone will probably oppose Mark Powell on the Democratic side. Although I have nothing against Powell. Powell also narrowly ran ahead of Kerry in Missouri too.
Steelman will probably run for re-election. But if she doesn't, then expect a competitive Republican primary here too.
Attorney General
There'll probably be a bit of a primary to succeed Jay Nixon for Attorney General.
And there'll probably be a bit of a primary with Republicans to try and follow Jay Nixon. Senate President Michael Gibbons has a commitee for running for Attorney General.
So, has anybody else heard any rumors, or anything similiar about candidates for statewide office in Missouri for 2008?