GOP Frontrunner Spotted at Chesterfield Hangout

GOP frontrunner for the St. Louis area's Second Congressional District Ann Wagner, was spotted at  in Chesterfield near her Ballwin home Tuesday night, grabbing a late bite to eat with her husband Raymond Wagner.

The candidate Wagner is a former Republican National Committee co-chair. She ordered salmon with dill, but followed up with a half-order of chicken drummies at the waitress' suggestion.

Husband Ray said he went with the spinach salad. He is a vice president of government and public affairs with Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

The Wagners left the local eatery and watering hole on Clayton Road at Baxter Road by about 10 p.m. 

Ann Wagner said she had an early-morning meetup with supporters planned in South County Wednesday. Wagner and her husband had come from a political event in St. Charles County.

Wagner faces Webster Groves doctor Randy Jotte in the Republican primary for the nomination. Attorney Ed Martin withdrew from the Congressional primary race to run for state attorney general.

In this heavily Republican Second District, it's likely that the winner of the GOP primary will take the election for Congress in November.

Ann Wagner was U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg for four years, 2005-09, under former GOP President George W. Bush.

Ray Wagner said he would stay at home in Ballwin with their 17-year-old daughter if his wife should go to Congress next year. 

"She'll fly home on the weekends," he suggested about his wife. Ray Wagner said he flew to Europe every two weeks during the time his wife was ambassador to Luxembourg. The couple have three children, the youngest 17.

Ann Wagner said the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Monday, Feb. 20, with a meal at Tucker's Place, in Manchester.

Wagner's camp said Wednesday that Ray Wagner de-registered as a lobbyist when his wife kicked off her campaign for Congress.