Jefferson City, MO – With all the talk and legislation surrounding Peter Kinder’s potential move to Congress, there is one question being discussed around Jefferson City…..Who would be the new #2?
We have complied a list of potential candidates that would be natural fits for both parties.
Whether there is an appointment, as Governor Nixon has indicated, followed by a lawsuit, which the Republicans have indicated, or if there is legislation passed by a veto proof majority as legislative leaders have indicated, at the end of the day it is likely to be one of these people whose name replaces Kinder on this door.
As Kinder has been one of the only republicans capable of winning statewide elections, we will begin with the Democrats.
Democrats
1. Clint Zweifel
State Treasurer
He is unlikely to take an appointment with any legal clout, but he is a proven vote getter and good fundraiser. This would avoid a primary with Koster, but Zweifel has not indicated he is backing down from a primary with Koster.
2. Victor Callahan 
Former State Senator
Callahan has $700,000 in his campaign account. A former minority leader and one of the smartest Democrats in the senate. Would probably easily hold the seat but will he walk away from his new job on the tax commission?
3. Judy Baker
Former House Member
Baker lost her Lt. Gov. primary, but made a good run for congress in 2008.
4. Paul LeVota 
State Senator
Levota is a great candidate who has a track record of winning elections and raising money. He is a great suburban candidate with solid union ties.
5. Susan Montee 
Former State Auditor
She has great name ID, but has two statewide losses
6. Jeff Harris
Former House Minority Leader
Harris has done good work in Nixon administration and gained respect from party leaders. Came in third in the 08 AG.
primary but would be solid candidate
7. Jason Holsman
State Senator
To put it simply, Holsman is great on the campaign trail, and there is no one the democrats could select who would work harder to win the office.
8. Mike Sanders
Jackson County Executive
He has long been talked about for a statewide run. His success as party chair and the connections he has made statewide have only improved his statewide appeal.
9. Ryan McKenna
State Senator
He will be leaving the senate in 2014 and is a moderate democrat like Nixon. He would be solid candidate if he is willing to leave his family and campaign all over the state for a year.
10. Jake Hummel
House Minority Leader
He had a strong showing in St. Louis County against a well funded opponent, but we doubt he takes his show statewide….yet.
Republicans
1. Tim Jones
House Speaker
A sitting speaker who can raise the money is a top tier contender. A sitting speaker who is a solid conservative and can raise money is a force to be reckoned with. A conservative sitting speaker with the money and from the republican-rich suburbs of St. Louis may be unbeatable.
2. Brad Lager
State Senator
Has the name ID from his race against Kinder but also picked up some enemies. He has a proven his ability to raise the funds necessary, and if his donors signed back up, he would be hard to beat.
3. John Lamping
State Senator
He has a known name in the St. Louis region and he would have no problem raising the money. He has gained the respect of most of the capitol crowd and become the behind-the-scenes leader in the senate. His KC connections and heartwarming family story make him a serious contender.
4. Eric Schmitt
State Senator
Has been a solid Senator who can raise money. He is conservative but not overboard. He would have trouble if two candidates from St. Louis jumped into the race.
5. Kurt Schaefer
State Senator
Schaefer is a prolific fundraiser from a swing county. He has made all the right moves and has all the right allies but comes from an area with few primary votes.
6. Mike Kehoe 
State Senator
He is a successful businessman and quickly became a leader in the senate. His time as Highway commissioner made him many friends across the state. He could raise the money and would be a very good candidate for the Republican Party.
7. Ron Richard 
State Senator
Former Speaker and current floor leader and could raise the money. Also comes from SWMO where many republicans live. He would give anyone on this list a run for their money.
8. Dave Spence
2012 Candidate for Governor
Just spent 5 million on a Gov. race and has good name ID. Would be able to self finance and build a strong team.
9. Shane Schoellner
Former Speaker Pro Tem
He just ran a good race but came up short. Still has good name ID and built a strong grassroots organization. He probably needs a
break but if he decided to run he would get lots of support from his team.
10. Catherine Hanaway
Former House Speaker
She is a candidate who can raise money and has all kinds of friends wanting her to get back into the game. She has run statewide before and still has a large bank of goodwill with party regulars from her time as Speaker. The question is, would she take time away from her family and successful law practice?
Scott Faughn is the publisher of The Missouri Times, owner of the Clayton Times in Clayton; SEMO Times in Poplar Bluff; and host of the only statewide political television show, This Week in Missouri Politics.
