Sen. Kit Bond Won’t Seek Re-election in ‘10

Susan Davis reports on Congress. Missouri Republican Sen. Kit Bond announced today that will not seek re-election in 2010, making him the second Republican from a 2008 battleground state to opt for retirement. Bond, 69 years old, is currently serving his fourth term. First-term Florida GOP Sen. Mel Martinez also announced in early December that he would not seek re-election in 2010. Kansas GOP Sen. Sam Brownback is also retiring in 2010. President-elect Barack Obama won Florida against Republican rival John McCain in 2008, but lost Missouri by less than 5,000 votes. Missouri easily elected Democrat Jay Nixon governor over former Republican Rep. Kenny Hulshof . Even before Bond made his announcement, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan , daughter of Mel and Jean Carnahan , was expected to run for the Democratic nomination next year. Bond’s exit is likely to put Missouri at the top of the competitive race lists next year. Hulshof is immediately seen as a ... (link)