Capitol Calling

First of all, thank you for the question.

While it’s hard to say who would have the advantage this far out from the primary, it would not surprise me if the GOP field expanded to five to six candidates. This is obviously a rare opportunity for Republican congressional aspirants from St. Louis County, and to some extent St. Charles County, to run for a GOP-leaning seat.

At this point, I would say Ed Martin, Ann Wagner and Jane Cunningham will definitely be in this race. I heard about Joe Smith for the first time today, and I would guess a St. Charles County candidate could run even if he passes. As for Stream, my take would be that his decision would depend upon whether Mike Gibbons runs for the seat. Even if that isn’t a factor, running statewide - even unsuccessfully - helped Blaine Luetkemeyer in his congressional bid. And you could say such experience could help Gibbons as well.

In any case, Kirkwood is a sizable population center in MO-2, so it would not surprise me if a candidate emanated from that part of the district. Thus, Steam could be a logical contender for Congress.