Bond won't run for re-election

Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:39:24 GMT

Is this guy Dem. or Repuke?

Bond won't run for re-election

Shaken, Not Stirred — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:40:34 GMT

Bond. James Bond.

Bond won't run for re-election

MSierra, SF — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:51:52 GMT

This means MORE seats for the Republicans to defend

2010 may be a BAD year for Republicans
It may yet turn them into a 'truly Southern' party
A sectional party instead of a national party

I know, I know, there are fools in every state
How else would the republicans have lasted so long

Bond won't run for re-election

Don, Tampa, FL — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:55:51 GMT

One more Republican seat for the Dems to pick off.

Bond won't run for re-election

Ron Indiana — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:56:25 GMT

Is Kit a republican or dem? When does his term end? 2010 or 2012? Could you give us a little more informtion?

Bond won't run for re-election

MSierra, SF — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:57:45 GMT

'...When eight in 10 Americans already support Obama's approach to improving the economy, it doesn't sound like he should be too terribly concerned about "a skeptical public."

Note to the president-elect: the electorate wants you to be bold. Don't hold back....'

Let's focus on the infrastructure and helping state and local governments

You can prevent massive teacher layoffs, cut backs in police and fire fighter, and even more unemployment

Be bold, Mr President !!

Fund subways in San Francisco for starters

Bond won't run for re-election

Rye Hamms, Columbia Missouri — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:01:28 GMT

<<This means MORE seats for the Republicans to defend >>

After 2 years of Obama stumbling around, Missouri Republicans could run a ham sandwich and get it elected.

Bond won't run for re-election

The Ghost Of Freddy Mercury — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:01:33 GMT

DO, do, do, do, do, another one bites the dust!!

Bond won't run for re-election

Geoff Anthony, Miami, Fl — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:02:10 GMT

Good.

Bond won't run for re-election

Jackson, Seattle — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:08:06 GMT

I cannot believe people are asking which party he is a member of, when the very first sentence or the story is "NBC News has confirmed that Missouri Republican Sen. Kit Bond is quitting when his current term ends." Says Republican right in there folks.

And, while I am a Democrat, I can still respect any politician who gives 40 years service to their country. I hope he enjoys his retirement.

Bond won't run for re-election

Maezeppa — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:10:42 GMT

It's remarkable that there are so many commentors asking whether Bond is R or D. The first sentence of the article makes it clear.

Bond won't run for re-election

Slim Pickins — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:11:20 GMT

At this rate, the GOP will become the (SWCP) Southern White Christian Party.

Bond won't run for re-election

Josh, NYC, NY — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:15:20 GMT

If outgoing Republican Gov. Blunt decides to run, he'll be the overwhelming favorite to win this seat. With Nixon off to the Governor's mansion, there's no credible Democrat challenger to run him close. I assume that's why Bond decided to retire when he did.

Bond won't run for re-election

Michael — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:16:16 GMT

MSerra,

A massive subway project in a city built on sand dunes that is heavily earthquake-prone certainly sounds like a bold idea....

Bond won't run for re-election

arnie butch, goldman, mo — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:18:07 GMT

he's a republican and won re-election easily in 2004. so his retirement is a huge blow to republicans in a state with a VERY deep bench of democrats who are currently in statewide office.

Bond won't run for re-election

Ralphie — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:20:35 GMT

Bondo...Kit Bondo

Bond won't run for re-election

Elaine, Hollister, MO — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:21:21 GMT

He's a Republican. Just got re-elected, so we're stuck with him until 2014. Why couldn't he have retired and not run in 2008???

Bond won't run for re-election

Clara Kansas City, MO — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:31:44 GMT

This will go a long way to making Missouri a better shade of purple. No way Matt Blunt could win this seat. His father Roy Blunt would have a better shot; but quite frankly, Jim Talent has stayed active in national politics and just co-chaired a bipartisan committee on terrorism, I think (in the recent 2-3 months they published their report). At any rate, he lost narrowly to Claire McCaskill. I would have to agree with arnie butch in goldman that the Dems hold many statewide offices and have a pretty deep bench of public servants. Our former beloved governor and senate shoe in, before his untimely death, Mel Carnahan has two children serving our state and they are both highly regarded. I wonder if Emmanuel Cleaver is interested? Really opens some possibilities here. I am happy to say.

Bond won't run for re-election

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:32:04 GMT

Another Bond and Blunt hack pleads guilty in Abramoff corruption scandal

former congressional staffer has pleaded guilty to not reporting thousands of dollars in illegal gifts from lobbyists, the Associated Press reported. Trevor L. Blackann pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to lying on his 2003 tax returns. He is a former aide to House Minority Whip Blunt and Sen. Christopher (Kit) Bond, R-Mo. Blackann is the most recent person convicted in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. Among the gifts from lobbyists that Blackann failed to report was a free trip to a World Series game in New York. He also failed to report airfare, meals and entertainment at a "gentleman's club" paid for by lobbyists.

Bond won't run for re-election

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:34:24 GMT

Lynn and Richard From A Previous Thread:

Lynn:

Bush got us into serious debt throwing money into two wars we have no business being in; failing when he took office to meet head on the alternate energy needs of this country when we all knew this was an immediate requirement, and allowing for all kinds of pork (waste). There is nothing wrong with boosting the current economy with a stimulus plan if the money is spent wisely, no earmarks, and is accounted for by those disbursing the funds.

Richard: You are right. In a way I was not including all people in my comments about Amercians being materialistic. On the other hand, it all depends on how you define being materialistic. Most Amercians today possess matieral (items) they do not need for survival while much of the world possesses only those items needed just for their survival. In that sense that makes Americans materialistic.

As for taking care of our kid's souls you may be doing your part, but no one can tell me based on being the richest nation in the world versus our kid's current educational levels, those running the streets homeless, the high teen pregnancy rates, a lack of work ethic, serious lack of parental control and involvement, a lack of spiritual identity as well as a lack of proper identification and intervention of serious emotional difficulties amoung or teens, that this country as a whole is addressing the needs of our kids souls.

The fact is (a person by the name of Kruschev knew this) the United States does not have to fear destruction from an external threat but is rather more susceptible to destruction by its own internal materialism, greed and lack of purposeful direction.

Bond won't run for re-election

CitizenJ — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:36:14 GMT

Bond won't run for re-election

Diane from Illinois — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:38:59 GMT

I'm all for term limits. 40 YEARS? Pleeze. Nobody should hold the same seat for 40 years; old, tired, out of touch, non-progressive thinking.....apparently the good people of Missouri disagree with me.

Bond won't run for re-election

asmith, Dallas, TX — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:39:48 GMT

Josh, Matt Blunt had to retire because of his incompetence. No way he runs for this. They're best bet is current Congresswoman JoAnn Emerson, or former Congressman Kenny Hulshof who got beat for Governor but ran an honorable race.

Elaine, Bond defeated Nancy Farmer in 2004.

Bond won't run for re-election

Clara Kansas City, MO — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:40:41 GMT

Elaine is incorrect, his term is up in 2010. We had no senator on the ballot this past November. Claire McCaskill won (narrowly) in 2006.

Bond won't run for re-election

A C, Tuscaloosa AL — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:43:12 GMT

I know, I know, there are fools in every state
How else would the republicans have lasted so long -MSierra, SF
----------------------------------------------------
I know a fool in CA who spends long hours on this site posting mindless rants.

Bond won't run for re-election

John, Stl. MO — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:43:43 GMT

First of all, he did not run in 2008 and he will retire in 2010. Second of all Matt Blunt is finished in Missouri Politics, leaving as MO most unpopular Gov. in its history, even most Rep. don't like him. Finally, the Democrats have about 6 great candidates who could beat almost any Rep. but Bond.

Bond won't run for re-election

Ali Columbia, MO — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:44:46 GMT

Bond would be up for re-election in 2010, he didn't run in 2008. And Matt Blunt is not a shoe-in, he was an unpopular governor. To wit, bumper stickers citing "Blunt Trauma".
Hopefully, Democratic Secretary of State, Robin Carnahan (the late Mel Carnahan's daughter)will run and win that seat.

Bond won't run for re-election

Go Royals, Omaha — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:46:25 GMT

I'm not sure who the Missouri Democrats can roll out in 2010. Emanuel Cleaver is a prominent Dem, as Congressman from KC. Same with Kay Barnes, also from KC. Or Chris Koster, who ran for State A.G. but lost.
I am really worried Republican Congressman Sam Graves of Northwest Missouri will run for this seat.

Bond won't run for re-election

Dan Abramoff — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:49:35 GMT

Here are the facts:

Bond is a 4-term Republican Senator from Missouri. He has won his elections in the senate by between 6 and 12 points, including winning with 56% of the vote in 2004.

Bond's seat is up in 2010.

There are several Dems who have been elected statewide, the most prominent of which is Robin Carnahan, the current Secretary of State of Missouri, who has a brother in the House, and whose father was a Senator in Mizzou. If Carnahan runs she will be the favorite, if not, this seat is a straight toss-up.

The Dems just took the Governor's mansion in 2008 by 20 points.

Missouri is a purple state, slightly more red than blue, but just elected McCaskill (D) over incumbent senator Talent (R) in 2006, and McCain only won the state by .4% in 2008.

Looks like Dems are the early favorites to pick up net 3 to 5 more seats in the senate in 2010 (with 4 Republican retirements (Martinez (FL), Hutchinson (TX), Brownback (KS) and Bond (MO) and more sure to come).

The Republican party is looking more and more like the Southern White Cristian Party, relegated for a generation to being a small regional party without much say in national politics.

Bond won't run for re-election

ain't it the truth — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:56:08 GMT

it is amazing that someone would say obama will stumble around for 2 years. if that person is talking about the past then the statement is sad. truly sad. if this individual thinks he can predict the future then get him a straight jacket. he needs help. why does stupidity flow so freely from those who don't think first? oh yeah, the mouth engages before the brain.

Bond won't run for re-election

bob, dover, ar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:56:46 GMT

"In a bombshell of a development, Missouri Sen. Kit Bond is expected to announce today that he won't seek re-election in 2010."

Bond won't run for re-election

Blah Blah Blah — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:12:56 GMT

MSerra,

A massive subway project in a city built on sand dunes that is heavily earthquake-prone certainly sounds like a bold idea....

Michael
Come on Michael dont let a simple thing like facts get in the way of a Liberal rant.

Bond won't run for re-election

Matt, Kansas City MO — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:19:07 GMT

You guys are so funny. His seat didn't end in 2008, but is up in 2010. He's actually a RINO (who voted for all the bailouts last year), so we are happy to see him go. This is Matt Blunt's seat if he wants it.

Bond won't run for re-election

Shaughn, St. Louis — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:27:05 GMT

Elaine, you are mistaken. He was not up for re-election this past November. His term expires, thankfully, in 2010. Also, Gov. Blunt is not popular even within his own party and is not seen as an overwhelming favorite for this seat. Gov. Blunt has some skeletons that he wants to make sure stay in the closet. Missourians will be better off without Bond.

Bond won't run for re-election

eagle1776 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:28:24 GMT

It is called quit while you still look good. That R after his name would likely cost him an election. Somehow it looks better if one just doesn't seek another term for whatever reason than be unseated in an election. Good luck to him. Maybe he can join the others and be a lobbyist.

Bond won't run for re-election

Mike S St.Louis, Mo. — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:38:38 GMT

MMMM,,Subways! The $5.00 footlong will help the lard butt Dems in California lose weight.
Hey, maybe we can get Caroline Kennedy to take his seat. She's got great qualifications. We could have an election like Minnesota, you know really fair. Hey, have Blaggo appoint one from prison.

Bond won't run for re-election

Dennis, St Louis MO — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:42:35 GMT

Bond won't run for re-election

Cindy, St. Joe, MO. — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:50:13 GMT

Gov. Blunt has his work cut out for him to get elected. He didn't run to be re-elected for Gov. because of the way he has treated the good state of Missouri. Fellow Missourians remember him and what he did to the MOHELA Fund.

Bond won't run for re-election

dON, FREEMAN MO — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:52:14 GMT

iT IS ABOUT TIME HE LEAVES OFFICE.I CALL HIM DO NOTHING BOND, EXCEPT FOR HIMSELF, WE SHOULD GET A DEM IN OFFICE NOW?.

Bond won't run for re-election

David Ferrell Kennett, MO. — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:54:09 GMT

This man is SO crooked. He has beaten up reporters, threatened his opponents with physical force and EVEN cursed his OWN MOTHER in public. GOOD-BYE, You are the weakest link.

Bond won't run for re-election

Brian, St. Louis — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:09:33 GMT

Happy to see Bailout-Bond go. Maybe we will get an actual conservative Senator.

Bond won't run for re-election

Tim, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:16:39 GMT

Bond was a mediocre senator, at best. The few times he was seen performing his buffoonery on CSPAN were embarrassing for Missouri.
As for replacement, Robin Carnahan would be the front runner. The republicans have the potential problem of Sarah Steelman fighting Hulshoff in the primary, which weakened his chances last time. As for Talent, all Carnahan has to do is remind the out-staters that he's from St. Louis--which is the death knell to any statewide campaign in MO.

Bond won't run for re-election

Tim, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:19:05 GMT

Bond won't run for re-election

Greg R., Spokane, Wa — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:22:17 GMT

Just don't try to light up one of THOSE Blunts!

Bond won't run for re-election

kelley, St. louis — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:55:24 GMT

Mr. Blunt has some real skeletons in his closet. He has been fighting to keep e-mails sent through state accounts private. Believe me he has no intention of seeking any office.

Bond won't run for re-election

Jim, Jefferson City, MO — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:36:00 GMT

Kit is a somewhat moderate Republican whose term expires in 2010. The race sets up like this: Democrats will rally around Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (daughter of late-Gov. Mel Carnahan and former Sen. Jean Carnahan (if she chooses to run). The GOP race will be more interesting - soon-to-be former Governor Blunt is of the Blunt family and could be interested (unless his dad chooses to retire from the US House). Sen. Bond more-or-less handpicked former Re. Kenny Hulshof to run for Governor after Blunt ran away from the office. Hulshof never had a chance in the recent election, but has now built a statewide network. The only other contender I see is former Sen. Jim Talent and I have no way of knowing his interest in another statewide run.

Should be interesting.
Dennis, St Louis MO

Dennis is pretty much right, although I think Gov. Blunt will stay out of politics for the next few years to work in the private sector. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the current governor's father, Rep. Roy Blunt, is a likely candidate. Sen. Bond is not as close with the Blunt family as he is with Kenny Hulshof. Other Republicans who would probably be interested include Reps. JoAnn Emerson and Sam Graves, as well as former Missouri House Speaker and current U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway (who spoke at the Governor's Prayer Breakfast here this morning). Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is the likely candidate of the Democrats and will be hard to beat.

I would think that the Republican leadership in the state will want to settle on one candidate and avoid an expensive and divisive primary battle.