Jane Cunningham: I'm tested and proven

The national magazine, Roll Call, notes that Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-Chesterfield, is likely to enter the Congressional race for the seat currently held by Republican Todd Akin, who is running for U. S. Senate:

"Most people tell me that I am perfectly positioned for it," Cunningham said in an interview. "My 7th Senatorial district is within the 2nd. It's where the concentration of Republicans are in the 2nd and I've run there for more than a decade."


Cunningham also emphasized her conservative bona fides, noting that the state party had given her the "Legislator of the Year" award for her work on Proposition C.

The district leans Republican and Cunningham said her "strong Republican credentials" would be important with the majority of voters there.

She said if she decides to run, her primary campaign message would be that she is "the only one who is tested and proven" and the only candidate who has held elected office.

In 2010, Martin lost his bid to unseat Rep. Russ Carnahan (D) in the 3rd district. Wagner lost her bid to run the Republican National Committee to Reince Priebus earlier this year.

"I've walked the walk," Cunningham said. "Anyone can talk the talk, but I've walked the walk — I'm tested and proven."

If we think we have problems in Congress now...