Ed Martin Gains Endorsement In U.S. House Race

Tuesday Republican Ed Martin announced what could be a key endorsement in his bid to win a seat in Congress. His campaign issued a statement stating Phyllis Schlafly, a longtime, influential member of the conservative wing of the Republican Party, is backing him in the race for Todd Akin's 2nd district House seat.

In the statement released by the Martin campaign, Schlafly said in part, "Whether fighting for lower taxes for families and businesses, taking on ACORN and voter fraud at the St. Louis Election Board, or fighting to stop Jay Nixon's pro-illegal immigration appointments, Ed has shown himself a fearless and courageous conservative."

Former Republican National Committee co-chairwoman  is also in the GOP race and will kick off her campaign from her Ballwin home later this week.

In Tuesday's edition of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reporter Jake Wagman provided analysis of what the endorsement means for the race.

The Democratic side of the race is still unclear as Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-St. Louis), whose 3rd District seat  brought on by lower population data in the 2010 census, weighs bid in the 2nd district or a primary challenge to First District Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis).