Blunt Reaches Out To Schweich

Congressman Roy Blunt wasted no time reaching out to Tom Schweich Monday, hours after the former U.S. ambassador and Washington University law professor told reporters he was interested in running for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

"Roy Blunt would welcome Mr. Schweich's support in our campaign," said spokesman Rich Chrismer in a statement sent to The Notebook. "As Senator Bond said last week, Roy has the desire and the ability to unite our party which is why he has wide and broad support from grassroots volunteers to Missouri's elected officials," Chrismer added.

The news of Schweick's political interests comes just days after the Blunt campaign unveiled a round of endorsements from public officials in a clear attempt to reset a campaign that's been hobbled by an early round of unfavorable media reports.

Last Thursday morning, Roll Call reported that Blunt had signed on Karen Mohan day for his fundraising efforts. Later in the day, the campaign announced the backing from 71 state House lawmakers. On Friday, Sen. Kit Bond and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson flew around the state, touting their backing of the Ozarks Congressman.

Now comes news that former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman isn't the only Republican rival eyeing Blunt in a primary.

"This has a potential to cut majorly into Roy's fundraising base," said one St. Louis Republican, speaking freely on the condition of anonymity. "These are some big names lining up behind Schweich. Big money Republicans that give $2 or $4-thousand dollars every cycle," the Republican continued.

For more on Tom Schweich's background, click HERE and HERE.

But Chrismer noted that Blunt has been the only candidate to directly engage likely Democratic nominee Robin Carnahan.

"Roy Blunt appears to be the only one willing to draw contrast with Robin Carnahan or compare his record on the issues with hers," Chrismer said. "If we are going to prevent the national Democrats from total one-party control in Washington, we need a candidate like Roy Blunt who is going to stand up for Missouri common sense and fight and win to put Missouri's future first," Chrismer said.