In a good news, bad news situation, Rep. Kenny Hulshof has decided to run for Governorto replace Matt Blunt, who is retiring largely thanks to poor poll numbers.  Hulshof has a strong record of social conservatism but has not shown quite the same degree of reliability on fiscal matters.  Hulshof now offers Republicans our best opportunity to hold the Governor’s mansion in Missouri, which is extremely important with redistricting coming up in a few years.   There, the legislature draws the districts, which are then subject to the approval of the Governor.  With Missouri expeceted to lose a seat in Congress, who wins this race could determine which Party loses the seat.

The bad news, though, is that this is yet another district that Republicans must defend.  Although it is true that we now have the opportunity to replace Hulshof with a more fiscally restrained Republican, this is also yet another seat that must be defended in November.  With the increasing number of retirements, including many that were unexpected, it is increasingly difficult to see just how Republicans could conceivable take back the House this year.