A marquee race in a swing state
When GOP Sen. Kit Bond announced he would not run for re-election, the 2010 race for U.S. Senate in Missouri became a top Democratic takeover target. Democrats united behind Robin Carnahan, Missouri’s secretary of state, who has a solid record of leadership. One of only two Democrats to win statewide in 2004, Carnahan was re-elected in 2008, earning more votes than any candidate in Missouri history. But the GOP establishment is backing Roy Blunt, a right-wing congressman who got his start in politics working for John Ashcroft. In a state where the balance of power has swung back and forth for decades, voters have a clear choice between Blunt, a Republican insider, and Carnahan, a reform-minded rising star.
A reformer with deep Missouri roots
As secretary of state, Carnahan has cracked down on financial fraud, cut costs and red tape for businesses, protected consumers, and safeguarded the integrity of elections. A fifth-generation Missourian, she comes from one of the most respected families in the state. Her late father, Mel, was governor; her mother, Jean, was Missouri’s first woman U.S. senator; her brother Russ is a congressman, as was her grandfather. An attorney with a background in international trade and development, Carnahan still manages her family’s 900-acre farm in rural Missouri.
Increasing the majority in the Senate
Taking control of Republican-held seats like this one is critical for Democrats to increase the majority in the Senate and secure enough votes to bring about the change Americans need. Robin Carnahan has the talent and political will to run a winning campaign, but she will need vast resources to overcome Blunt’s vast fundraising network and Republican determination to hold this seat. Early support from EMILY’s List members will help her raise $15 million to build a strong grassroots organization that can fend off right-wing attacks and win this Senate seat for Democrats.
