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Sifton to forgo AG run

Saint Louis — Sen. Scott Sifton will not be seeking the Democratic nomination for attorney general, the St. Louis senator announced in a statement today.

Sifton
Sifton

“I have spent my entire tenure in the Senate advocating ethics reform, and we clearly need it,” Sifton said.  “It has become clear that I can best serve the citizens of south St. Louis County and the State of Missouri by returning to the Senate.”

The move has the support of Missouri Democrats, who have long been rumored to be quietly hoping to persuade Sifton to remain in the senate for another term. Sifton became invaluable to Democrats in the final days of the 2015 legislative session during their almost weeklong filibuster of all senate business over controversial Right-to-Work votes.

“Scott has proven to be an invaluable member of the State Senate,” said Senator Claire McCaskill.  “He is a difference maker.  We need his leadership in the Senate now more than ever.”

“Missouri needs Scott Sifton in the Senate,” said Attorney General Chris Koster.  “His experience on the Affton School Board, in the legislature and his legal background have made an important impact for his constituents and the state.”

Sifton’s move complicates the senate ambitions of former House member, Vicki Englund, who was originally slated to replace Sifton in the senate with his endorsement. Englund announced she will run for re-election to her former House seat instead.

The move leaves only one Democrat, St. Louis County Assessor Jake Zimmerman, declared in the AG race.