I’m living in Missouri, and when a Blunt in Missouri chooses NOT to run for reelection, that’s big news. When that Blunt is current Governor Matt Blunt, that’s really big news for the whole state. I’m still not sure what to make of it, as his simple explanation just sounds too, well, simple.
In an announcement that surprised everyone and shocked the Republican Party faithful, Gov. Blunt said yesterday that he essential felt he had accomplished everything he wanted to accomplish, and a second term would just lack that sense of mission which has sparked his first.
Those of us who are a bit skeptical about such statements coming from the son of longtime political pro Rep. Roy Blunt simply ask your forgiveness and that of the governor. It’s just hard to believe that all those “entrenched politician genes” would take a back seat that easily.
In fact, some who have read the ongoing story of Gov. Blunt in Missouri would suggest the following: He has never recovered from the serious loss of popularity and credibility which came about when he smacked tens of thousands of people off the state’s Medicaid rolls just after taking office. Indeed, at least one story I read indicated a poll taken in recent months put Blunt double-figures behind the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon. He has also gotten a lot of negative press in recent months regarding the manner in which he fired one of the people in his administration.
All these details may mean nothing. He may truly think he’s accomplished all he should for Missouri in a single term. He may indeed be eager only to spend more time with his wife and young son. I’ll certainly give him all that.
But I don’t necessarily think all that is all of the story, either.
Ah, well, what do I know? I’m just a guy who reads the papers.
Technorati Tags: Missouri politics, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, Missouri politics, Republicans, Democrats, just a guy who reads the papers