Missourinet: GOP worried primary might weaken fight to unseat McCaskill

Missourinet reports that Missouri Republican officials are concerned that a U. S. Senate primary next year might hurt the party in its efforts to unseat incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill:

State Republican Party Chairman David Cole acknowledges a primary challenge worries him.


“You’re always concerned that the potential that a primary could become divisive and destructive. It doesn’t have to be that way,” Cole tells the Missourinet.

State Republican Chairwoman Ann Wagner, who is considering a Senate run herself, says a primary could cripple the GOP’s chances to win the race.

“If it’s a bloody, expensive primary, it will be very tough. I think it will,” Wagner tells the Missourinet. “We’ve seen that in the past. Whether it was in the most recent gubernatorial race or one two decades ago, back in 1992, it’s very tough.”

So far, two candidates, former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman and former Matt Blunt chief of staff Ed Martin have entered the race.