Former U.S. Senator and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth has been traveling the state, introducing his former protégé as someone who can win the U.S. Senate currently held by retiring Senator Bond. Danforth believes Tom Schweich, a former U.S. Ambassador in Afghanistan, is a law professor at Washington University in Saint Louis.
Danforth believes Schweich, a fresh face on the political scene, could challenge Congressman Roy Blunt and former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by retiring Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond. He believes Schweich might then be in the best position to take on Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, the Democratic Party’s choice, in next year’s general election. And part of the reason is that Schweich is a fresh face.
"I think that this is one of those rare times when it’s really an advantage not to be known," said Danforth. "I think to be a fresh face, I think, is an advantage right now because I think there are a lot of people who say, in respect to Washington, no matter what your party, you know, you haven’t done a very good job. And let’s see something new."
Schweich is simply testing the waters and has not yet made a decision on whether to run. In fact, only Roy Blunt has announced his candidacy, while Steelman is still on the sidelines. Danforth won’t go so far as to say Blunt can’t win, but wants to see the GOP put its best foot forward.
"I am very fond of Roy Blunt, and we go back 30 years and I absolutely have only good things to say about him. I think the question for Republicans is, ‘What’s our best chance to win the election?’"
Schweich expects to make a decision in the next few months.
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