By Missy Shelton
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri Governor Bob Holden said Wednesday he wants Missouri Democrats to decide for themselves who they favor in next week's presidential primary.
He's not endorsing any candidate. "I think whoever makes the best case on behalf of the education and health care and safety and security of our citizens in this country that'll be the candidate that Missourians rally around," Holden said.
The governor did add that with Dick Gephardt dropping out, the race is wide-open in Missouri.
St. Louis Congressman William "Lacy" Clay has also decided against endorsing any one, as has Dick Gephardt.
John Kerry has won the support of St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, County Executive Charlie Dooley, and former Senators Jean Carnahan and Tom Eagleton.
John Edwards has won endorsement from Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell, Congressman Ike Skelton and former Kansas City Mayor Emanuel Cleaver.