Martin Nabs Schlafly Endorsement In Missouri
Missouri Republican Ed Martin hasn't declared whether or not he'll run for the Senate, but he's already got one prominent conservative leader in his corner: Phyllis Schlafly.
Schlafly is a conservative icon and the founder of the Eagle Forum, a PAC that promotes a social-conservative agenda. Schlafly is from Missouri and has influence among some socially-conservative activists.
On Tuesday, Schlafly wrote a letter to supporters saying she is encouraging Martin to challenge Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill (Mo.) next year.
"Ed is a proven conservative who can win this Senate seat and begin the process of reclaiming America," she wrote, according to a copy obtained by Hotline On Call. "Ed has a proven record of fighting for conservatives...We need Ed Martin in the U.S. Senate."
Martin told Hotline On Call last week that he is seriously considering the race. Currently, only former Missouri Treasurer Sarah Steelman has jumped in, but several others -- including Martin, Rep. Sam Graves (R) and former Missouri GOP chair Ann Wagner are also eyeing the contest. Former Sen. Jim Talent (R) has also said he is thinking of running.
Schlafly's endorsement is a big get for Martin in the primary -- if he runs. Martin appealed to Tea Party groups during his unsuccessful 2010 campaign against Democratic Rep. Russ Carnahan (D), and it appears that he has gotten off to an early start in courting their support so far in the Senate race.
Join the Discussion
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus