Politics & Government

Akin Hopes to Challenge McCaskill; GOP Lining Up for Akin House Seat

Republicans Ann Wagner, Ed Martin, Jane Cunningham all announce they'll seek Akin's house seat after Akin enter Senate primary.

After that he wants to run against U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill in 2012, a slate of Republicans lined up to represent the newly redrawn 2nd Congressional District.

Ann Wagner, former chair of the Missouri Republican Party, state Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-Chesterfield, and Ed Martin have all said they will run for Akin’s vacated seat in the House.

"There are some really, really competent people who are taking a look at that race," Akin said as he announced his Senate candidacy Tuesday in Creve Coeur. Two of the contenders, Wagner and Martin, were in the audience.

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"I would be surprised if there weren’t a lot of people running in it. I love the people in the 2nd district. It was a very thoughtful decision to decide to even leave the 2nd district because I like it," Akin said.

The Republican-controlled Missouri Legislature set up a wheel of fortune when it settled the loss of a House of Representative seat by dividing U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan’s 3rd District between fellow Democrat Rep. William “Lacy” Clay’s 1st District and Republican Rep. Todd Akin’s 2nd District.

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The state legislature’s action essentially terminated more than 50 years of Democrat domination in District 3. Before Carnahan was elected in 2006, the seat belonged to Democrat Dick Gephardt for 28 years.

After Akin’s announcement, Wagner fielded questions regarding her candidacy for the House seat, which she said has been "all in" since she launched an exploratory committee three weeks ago.

She emphasized her experience in the district, having lived in South County and West County and having worked for Republicans in the area, including Akin.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of the solution in Washington, D.C.,” Wagner said.

Wagner said she agrees with Akin that the nation stands on a precipice and the next several years will determine where the country is headed.

“It’s about the kind of America we want it to be,” she said.

Martin announced last week he would seek the 2nd District seat.

Martin’s Communications Manager Rush James acknowledged running in the primary against fellow Republicans and conservatives would be much different than running against Carnahan.

He said Martin has a wider base of support than Cunningham, thanks in part to support generated following a narrow defeat in trying to unseat Carnahan in 2010.

“Both (Wagner) and (Martin) will have great name recognition, but I think he’s in the forefront right now,” James said.

On Monday, Cunningham said she would not announce her intentions to run for Akin’s vacated seat until after Akin announced his Senate race.

However, Cunningham was clear about her 10-year voting record as a conservative.

“My intention is to make sure this district sends a conservative to Washington, D.C.,” Cunningham said. “I certainly feel qualified."

Wagner said she would rely on her activism, experience and conservative approach and ideas.

“I think you stand out on your record and the experience and ideas you’re bringing,” Wagner said. “I’ll work the grassroots hard, speak with the business community and constituents of the 2nd District.”

On the Democratic side, reaction has been a bit slower. Carnahan has not indicated that he’s made a decision on what office he would seek.

Carnahan could choose to run against an established Democrat, Lacy Clay in District 1 or take on a Republican opponent in a more heavily Republican area in the new District 2.

Carnahan is bringing House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer to the St. Louis area for a so-called "Made in America" forum, as well as a reported fundraising event.


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