Further to the diary by RandySF on Monday: speculation continues to grow here in mid-Missouri that Congressmen Kenny Hulshof is in line to take the recently vacated position of University of Missouri System president.
The AP reported yesterday:
WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. Kenny Hulshof is not commenting on published reports that he's a candidate to become the next president of the University of Missouri system.
But speculation about the Columbia, Mo., Republican increased this week with the announcement that his longtime chief of staff, Manning Feraci, has resigned.
Feraci has accepted a position with the National Biodiesel Board as vice president of federal affairs and will direct the organization's Washington office starting May 29, a board spokeswoman said Wednesday.
Local papers have carried this, and associated political blogs have further speculation that Hulshof is ready to make the change. From the Columbia Tribune political blog:
Hulshof intrigue increases
The buzz surrounding Rep. Kenny Hulshof's possible resignation to become the University of Missouri System president growing stronger and stronger.
Sam Hanamel of the Associated Press reports today that repeated attempts to contact Hulshof have been unsuccessful. Now comes the news - first noted by the Missouri Political News Service - that the six-term Congressman's chief of staff has resigned.
Yes, this all seems to be the same material, but comments on the two cited blogs also support the notion that Hulshof is ready to jump. It is all still speculation, but given the climate for Republican candidates in '08, I would not be surprised that Hulshof is willing to get out while the gettin' is good. He is still young enough, and moderate enough as Republicans go, that he could serve as UM system prez for a decade before considering whether to run for a senate seat or even gearing up for a presidential/VP bid.