By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Republican House Speaker Catherine Hanaway announced her candidacy Tuesday for Missouri secretary of state.
Hanaway is the only Republican seeking to replace Secretary of State Matt Blunt, who's expected to run for governor.
The late Governor Mel Carnahan's daughter, Robin Carnahan, is the only Democratic candidate for secretary of state.
Hanaway is 40 and from the St. Louis County town of Warson Woods. She led the GOP take-over of the House in last year's elections.
She's the first women to hold the House's top leadership job.
Hanaway could have sought one more two-year stint before term limits prohibit her from running again. She says she'll remain the speaker while campaigning for secretary of state.