Donaldson Out

Convoy of Hope President Hal Donaldson has decided against a run for the 7th District Congressional seat, a knowledgeable Republican tells The Notebook.

Donaldson first announced he was forming an exploratory committee back in March and hired on Republican communications operative Spence Jackson, who worked for former Gov. Matt Blunt and former Treasurer Sarah Steelman.

Jackson's hire was a sign Donaldson was serious about the contest, but after forming a committee he never made any public pronouncements about his candidacy. A Donaldson ally said the Convoy president wanted to make a final decision by the end of the month and has pretty much done so.

Donaldson's decision against a run to replace Blunt leaves the following 5 Republican contenders with active campaigns: State Sen. Jack Goodman, State Sen. Gary Nodler, auctioneer Billy Long, Greene County prosecutor Darrell Moore and Ozarks Technical Community College instructor Jeff Wisdom.

To read the Notebook's most recent 7th District Power Rankings, click HERE

*Next power rankings to be published July 31st*