The Secretary of State’s Office has checked and filed more than 400 political hopefuls, including those throwing their hat in the ring to fill the seat of U.S. Senator Bond.

Senator Bond moved from the Capitol in Missouri to the one in Washington. But he’s retiring this year, ending a 40-year political career in state and federal politics. Secretary of State Robin Carhanan, a Democrat, says Missourians are ready for a change. Republican Congressman Roy Blunt, who represents Southwest Missouri, says he’s already been campaigning for months, talking to the people. He says the main topic has been jobs. In the upcoming primary, Blunt faces newcomer Chuck Purgason, a Republican State Senator from Caulfield, who says he stands out in this race as the underdog, but also as one who comes from the people and understands their wants and needs.

The Primary is set for August third; a total of 14 candidates are running for U.S. Senate. All nine of Missouri’s U.S. House seats are up for grabs, as well as 163 state House seats, half of the 34 state Senate seats and the state auditor’s office.
 
See all of the candidates who have filed on the Secretary of State’s Web page.

A record number of candidates have filed to run for office this year during opening day. A total of 417 Missourians filed to run in the 2010 elections, surpassing the previous record set in 2002 with 386.

Jessica Machetta reports [Download / Listen Mp3]