Ed Martin Gains Endorsement In U.S. House Race

Republican Ed Martin announced Tuesday what could be a key endorsement in his bid to win a seat in Congress.

His campaign issued a statement announcing that Phyllis Schlafly, a longtime, influential member of the conservative wing of the Republican Party, is backing him in the race for Todd Akin's 2nd district House seat. 

Both Crestwood and Sunset Hills are represented by the 2nd District in Congress. Akin announced in May that he would be running for the U.S. Senate in 2012. 

In the statement released by the Martin campaign, Schlafly said in part, "Whether fighting for lower taxes for families and businesses, taking on ACORN and voter fraud at the St. Louis Election Board, or fighting to stop Jay Nixon's pro-illegal immigration appointments, Ed has shown himself a fearless and courageous conservative."

Former Republican National Committee co-chair Ann Wagner is also in the GOP race and will kick off her campaign from her Ballwin home later this week.

State Senator Jane Cunningham (R-Chesterfield) has also indicated an interest in the contest.

In Tuesday's edition of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reporter Jake Wagman provides an analysis of what the endorsement means for the race.

The Democratic side of the race is still unclear, as Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-St. Louis) whose 3rd District seat was wiped away by redistricting brought on by lower population data in the 2010 census, weighs a bid in the 2nd district, or a primary challenge to First District Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis).