A third Republican has formally entered the Republican race for Governor. Congressman Kenny Hulshof has ended the speculation and has announced he is running to replace Governor Matt Blunt, who stunned Missouri’s political world last week with his decision to not seek re-election.

Hulshof, who has represented the state’s 9th Congressional District for the last eleven years, had been talked about as a GOP candidate in 2004, but opted to run again for Congress.

In a statement, Hulshof says, "In the coming months, I look forward to outlining my vision of a state government that makes Missourians proud, a government that always remembers that the people of Missouri are in charge."

Two other Republicans have already announced their plans to run for the party’s nomination: Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and State Treasurer Sarah Steelman.