MO Statehouse

A political observer says Republicans in Missouri may have already blown their chances to win state-level statewide offices next year.

The Secretary of State’s race is the only one with any major GOP contenders (State Senators Scott Rupp and Bill Stouffer, and House Speaker Pro-tem Shane Schoeller), following Steven Tilley’s departure from the Lt. Governor’s race.  Current Lt. Governor Peter Kinder (R) still hasn’t announced whether he’s running for governor.

(Click on the link to hear Marshall Griffin's exclusive interview with Tilley)

The only major Republican contender in the Missouri Lt. Governor’s race has dropped out.

Steven Tilley of Perryville made the surprise announcement today (Thursday) to fellow House Republicans and to the media.  He says he made the decision after realizing that he wants to be a normal person again.

“It wasn’t in my heart to do it, I just didn’t have the fire in the belly," Tilley said.  "I started out because I wanted to do it, but I’ve sacrificed a lot to myself financially and to my family, and I’m comfortable…it’s a load off my shoulders and I’m excited to move into a new chapter.”