Carnahan keeps her name off of ballot

Just when you thought we might get a break from politics, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan comes in and spoils the season. Actually, Carnahan simply made an announcement that she would not be running for governor in 2008. There had been much speculation that she was planning to jump in the race.

Carnahan is a smart politician. She knows what the Carnahan name means in some circles and she knows that Gov. Matt Blunt may well be vulnerable in 2008. But she also knows that Attorney General Jay Nixon is already in the race. Thus, her announcement this week.

The popular Secretary of State gave a laundry list of reasons she was not interested in the governor's seat at this time. She failed to mention that Nixon has already raised $1 million and already has a network in place to make the run.

Most political observers see a Blunt-Nixon race as a toss-up at this point. Most point to the national picture in 2008 and believe that will shape the race for governor. There is even speculation that Blunt may seek another post instead of re-election as governor. Regardless of what happens in the next two years, the race for governor in 2008 promises ample fireworks.

In some ways, I had hoped Carnahan would jump into the race. I was interested in just how much clout the Carnahan name still carries across the state. I would predict that Nixon would have easily won the nomination and then provided a tough competition regardless of who runs on the GOP side. But all of that has now been eliminated. And in some ways, the stage is already set for 2008.

Carnahan may sit this one out. But rest assured, she'll seek higher office someday. I guess 2008 was just not her day.