Blunt's decision not to be RGA chairman re-examined

Though the announcement by Governor Matt Blunt today that he would not run for a second term came as a shock to Missourians of both parties, a hint of it may have been evident more than two months ago.
Blunt was in line to become chairman of the Republican Governors Association when he stepped aside, purportedly to concentrate on his re-election campaign. That information was included in the Nov. 19, 2007, Turner Report.

Nick Ayers, executive director of the RGA, issued the following statement after Blunt's announcement:

Earlier this afternoon I spoke with Governor Blunt who told me he has made the decision not to seek reelection. He remains committed to RGA and will continue to serve as our Vice-Chairman through the 2008 elections. The Governor said he did not want to seek office to simply hold a title. Governor Blunt told me that he’d continue to work very closely with his colleagues and the RGA staff to ensure we get a Republican Governor elected.

Missouri remains the most competitive state in America and our resources are as important as ever. When the Democrats were in power the state was facing a billion dollar budget deficit, had one of the worst job creation records in the nation, and education was being consistently under-funded. That will be difficult for any Democrat to run against.

Elections like the one coming up in Missouri are why RGA is so important. Our resources and hard work can keep the state in Republican hands when we elect a new Governor. Below I’ve included the press release we sent out earlier today. We are looking forward to taking advantage of this new opportunity in Missouri.