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Missouri Sen. Kit Bond won't seek re-election
Republican Sen. Kit Bond announced Thursday that he won't seek re-election in 2010, saying he does not ''aspire to become Missouri's oldest senator.''
Bond, 69, made the announcement while addressing state legislators at the Missouri Capitol. He was ushered into the House chamber as a special guest, ascended the dais and delivered a speech urging bipartisanship and recounting his career priorities.
After 13 minutes of talking, Bond paused, poured a glass a water and took a long drink, before declaring: ''Now for the tough part.''
''Public service has been a blessing and a labor of love for me -- little in life could be more fulfilling, but I have decided that my Senate career will end after this, my fourth term,'' he said.
State Rep. Barney J. Fisher, R-District 125, reacted by saying Bond made it clear he's not really retiring, just stepping out of the Senate at the end of his term.
"Senator Bond has had a long and distinguished career and I wish him well. I was hoping that if he was not seeking re-election, he would resign and allow Gov. Blunt to appoint a successor, but that didn't happen."
Bond first was elected to the Senate in 1986 -- the only Republican to capture a seat previously held by a Democrat that year. Missouri voters have re-elected him three times since. Before joining the Senate, Bond served as Missouri governor and state auditor.
''In 1973, I became Missouri's youngest governor. I do not aspire to become Missouri's oldest senator,'' Bond said.
As recently as a few months ago, Bond had told crowds that he would be seeking re-election to a fifth Senate term. Also, Bond's chief of staff, Brian Klippenstein, had moved home to Missouri from Washington, a move seen by Republicans and other observers as a strong sign Bond was laying the groundwork for another campaign.
Bond told reporters that he reached his decision after discussing it with his family over the Christmas holiday season.
''I'd like to retire while I'm still at the top of my game,'' he said.
Former Senator Jim Talent said, "This announcement is a stunning blow to me and to all of us who admire Kit Bond as a statesman and who regard him as a friend. His service to our state over the last 40 years has improved the lives of Missourians, and all Americans, in more ways than can be counted. We have better schools, greater opportunity, and a safer and stronger country because of Kit Bond's public service.
"To me personally, this announcement means the retirement of a great friend and mentor. My wife Brenda and I wish him and Linda always and only the best. We know his final two years in the United States Senate will be outstanding and that he will continue to find ways to serve his country and state for years to come."
The agricultural community, strong in Vernon County, his retirement is meaningful as well. Missouri Farm Bureau President Charles E. Kruse said, "can't think of an issue important to agriculture, rural communities or Farm Bureau in which Kit Bond didn't lead the charge. He has been our friend and champion for more than three decades. Kit Bond's contributions to our state and nation are impossible to measure yet his legacy of leadership and public service will forever be remembered."
Bond's retirement is the second political jolt to the Missouri Republican Party in as many years.
In January 2008, Republican Gov. Matt Blunt stunned supporters and foes alike by announcing he would not seek a second term. A contentious two-way Republican primary resulted, and Democrat Jay Nixon ultimately won the governorship in the November general election.
Bond, a native of rural Mexico, Mo., has been the most consistent face of the Missouri Republican Party for several decades.
After serving briefly as an assistant attorney general under John Danforth, Bond was elected state auditor in 1970. At age 33, Bond became Missouri's youngest governor when he was sworn into office on Jan. 8, 1973 -- exactly 36 years before Thursday's announcement of his political retirement.
Bond lost re-election in 1976 only to rebound and win a rematch against Democratic Gov. Joe Teasdale in 1980.
In the Senate, Bond is known as a workhorse who relished the increasing clout he wielded. He became vice chairman of the Intelligence Committee in late 2006 and later played a key role in bringing both parties together to revise the 30-year-old Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a feat he considered one of his greatest accomplishments as a lawmaker.
Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., released a statement praising Bond for his service.
''We have a major thing in common in that we both love the state of Missouri,'' McCaskill said. ''I have immense respect for him. There will be few people who will serve Missouri longer than he has or with such distinction.''
Lloyd Smith, chief of staff to Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and a longtime GOP campaign strategist in Missouri, said the news took him by surprise. There was no obvious signs Bond was considering retirement, he said.
''As far as the last couple of months, my conversations with Bond and his staff were that he was going to run in 2010,'' Smith said. ''There were talks about what the (re-election) team would look like and the financing of a competitive race.''
Possible GOP candidates to replace Bond include Rep. Roy Blunt, of Springfield, who recently stepped down from his post as House Minority Whip; his son, outgoing Gov. Matt Blunt; former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman; former Missouri Sen. Jim Talent; former Rep. Kenny Hulshof, of Columbia; Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, of Cape Girardeau; Rep. Sam Graves, of Tarkio; and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.
Secretary of State Robin Carnahan had been considered the strongest Democrat in a race against Bond. Carnahan met with McCaskill in Washington late last year.