Reaction at the Capitol was nothing short of shock

JEFFERSON CITY -- It was a week ago that Gov. Matt Blunt delivered his State of the State address. We now know that it will be his last.

On Tuesday, Blunt announced his intentions not to seek a second term in office. Reaction at the Capitol was nothing short of shock.

It was a move nobody saw coming and even closest allies couldn't have expected. In a recorded statement, Blunt said he had accomplished all he'd set out to do.

"After a great deal of thought and prayer, and with the knowledge that we have achieved virtually everything I set out to accomplish, and more, I will not seek a second term in the upcoming election," said Blunt. "Because I feel we have changed what I wanted to change in the first term, there is not the same sense of mission for a second."

And with that came the shock waves.

Blunt held a conference call at 4 p.m. with Republican leaders from the House and Senate. And that's how Republican Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons found out.

"I'm definitely very surprised," said Gibbons. "No one had any idea this was coming."

"[I am] a little bit flabbergasted, " said Rep. Steve Hobbs (R-Mexico). "I didn't see this coming and I haven't talked to a single soul in the building who saw it coming, so amazement and surprise."

"I would term it as political chaos in Missouri," said Rep. Brian Yates (R-Lee's Summit). "I don't think anybody saw this coming." 

Sen. Matt Bartle (R-Eastern Jackson County) learned about Gov. Blunt's decision from a reporter. He too was in disbelief. "The Governor had raised a lot of money, was ahead in fundraising," Bartle said. "So we were all very surprised."

Blunt's exit from the race leaves a substantial void. The question now is which Republicans will step up and try to fill it.

Lt. Governor and fellow Republican Peter Kinder issued a statement indicating he will enter the race. In the statement, Kinder said, "...I am the right person to deliver the positive change Missourians deserve..."

Blunt's term as Governor has been controversial from the start. His decisions to cut Medicaid benefits and limit personal injury lawsuits were lighting rods for criticism. And his recent off-staff problems and low polling numbers have made him appear vulnerable.

Attorney General Jay Nixon, the Democrats' presumptive nominee was well behind Blunt in fundraising, but now has the advantage of an open race.

Nixon released a statement saying, in part, "My campaign for Governor has always been about moving Missouri forward. I will continue to focus on changing the direction of our state..."

But in this political chess match, all eyes now, are on Missouri Republicans.

The Chairman of the State Republican Party tonight described Matt Blunt as a remarkable leader. Doug Russell praised Blunt's stewardship of state resources and his policies of reform.

Russell's statement said nothing about replacement candidates.