Baker's Man

On a day when MO-09 GOPers celebrate Rep. Kenny Hulshof’s (R) GOV primary win, they also nominated the man they hope will replace him – ex-state Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R). He defeated state Rep. Bob Onder (R), 39-31%, with three other GOPers splitting the remainder.

Dems, meanwhile, picked state Sen. Judy Baker (D) over ex-state House Speaker Steve Gaw (D), 42-33%. Two other Dems collected 25%.

When Hulshof announced his GOV bid, many higher-profile GOPers passed on the seat. But of those who decided to run, Onder and Luetkemeyer quickly became the top-tier candidates in the race, at least money-wise. Each raised enough cash to compete, and each also supplemented that with their own money.

Luetkemeyer was endorsed by MO Right to Life, while the Club for Growth tabbed Onder as their choice. But in fact there was little separation on issues between the candidates. Both were solid conservatives.

In the end, though, Luetkemeyer had the resources to pull out a rather convincing victory over the one-term legislator.

He’ll face Baker in the fall. The DCCC has been very excited about their prospects here, and have added the seat to its “Red-to-Blue” list, meaning they’ll devote significant resources to the race.

Many believed that Gaw, who is from the rural part of the CD, would’ve been the best fit for Dems. His TV ads promoted his folksiness and his populism, two things that will go over well in this CD. Baker is from the urban part of the CD – Columbia – and was seen as the more liberal option. She’s been endorsed by EMILY’s List.

That will be a big factor in this CD, most of which is nicknamed “Little Dixie.” Baker must make this race about economic issues if she expects to win a seat that gave Pres. Bush 59% in ’04, and one that will also feature GOP favorite-son Hulshof at the top of the ticket. This seat is a difficult one for Dems, but it’s certainly one they could put in play with significant resources.

(TIM SAHD)