Jeff Roe and the Missouri 2012 GOP US Senate Primary: Sam Graves Appears to be a Serious Contender

The National Journal points out Jeff Roe will soon decide who to give his allegiance to in the 2012 GOP US Senate Republican primary. The long-time Republican strategist has been long connected to Sam Graves, who appears to be serious about announcing his candidacy against the GOP's blonde bimbo, Sarah Steelman. (See the blonde bimbo in action below:)



The National Journal writes:

On Wednesday, Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) indicated that he is actively looking at the race. "I certainly wouldn't want to close the door on it," he told The Hill. "It's something that I look at and kind of evaluate and we'll see what happens...There's a great opportunity to take back that Senate seat."

Graves' political team also spent Wednesday working the phones and seeing if a campaign is possible. Graves had been off the radar screen as a potential candidate, but he would bring a lot to the table -- including a strong knowledge of federal issues and top political track record, winning re-election even in down Republican years. He also opposed TARP in 2008 -- a key vote in conservative circles.

Another sign that Graves is taking this very seriously: His top political advisor, Jeff Roe, ran current Republican Senate contender Sarah Steelman's 2008 gubernatorial campaign.

Graves isn't the the only Republican who appears to moving closer to a run. Former congressional contender Ed Martin, who lost to Rep. Russ Carnahan (D) last year, appears to be seriously looking at the race. Martin was in the Missouri state Capitol on Wednesday meeting with state legislators and trying to gather support, according to sources who saw him there.

What this all means: Regardless of whether Talent ultimately jumps into the race or not, Steelman is not going to have a free ride to the general election.

This is going to get interesting and no doubt, there will be some mud slinging considering the reputations of all involved with the exception of nice guy Jim Talent.