Is Local GOP Candidate Planning Swap With Half-Million Dollar War Chest?

Ann Wagner wowed political observers with her latest fundraising figures for this 3rd quarter. So much so in fact, at least one politico speculated that she might be eyeing a contest other than the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012.

Wagner, a Ballwin Republican who served as state Republican Party chair and ambassador to Luxemburg under the Bush administration, raised $532,093 in the 3rd quarter for her 2nd Congressional District bid. That was nearly five times more than what her GOP primary opponent Ed Martin brought in during the fundraising quarter.

“I am honored to have earned the trust and support of so many citizens across the 2nd District,” Wagner said in a written statement.

“I am energized by the strength and momentum of our campaign. I intend to answer the call of the people to bring strong, effective, conservative leadership to Washington," Wagner said.

In recent weeks, Wagner received a number of high-profile endorsements for her congressional bid. She hosted an event with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and  former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri endorsed her.

But Wagner’s fundraising quarter total also exceeded those of two GOP U.S. Senate candidates: U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Wildwood, and former state Treasurer and Sarah Steelman. Wagner also outraised Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, who is considering a run for governor.

That led Politico reporter Dave Catanese to wonder aloud whether Wagner was thinking about getting into the GOP primary for U.S. Senate. He said Wagner toyed with the idea earlier this year, before deciding to run for the House seat Akin is vacating.

Catanese went on to say that such a move would be “a tremendous slight against Akin.”

“This eyebrow-raising performance is almost certain to stoke speculation on whether Wagner should reconsider switching to the bigger price: the Senate race,” Catanese wrote. “She briefly toyed with the idea following her unsuccessful bid for RNC chairman, but settled on a House bid as a more realistic opportunity and with the assurance that Akin would seek a spot in the upper chamber.”

At least one Democratic-leaning site noticed when Wagner’s Twitter account retweeted Catanese's tweet that maybe Wagner “should switch to #MOSEN after all?”

What does Wagner’s campaign think of all of this?

“Ann Wagner is running for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District,” said Wagner spokesman Christian Morgan in an e-mail. “Period.”

MARTIN SOLDIERS ON

Attorney Ed Martin, by the way, raised about $115,000 during the fundraising quarter, according to a press release from his campaign. Martin’s Federal Election Commission filings say that he has about $270,000 of cash on hand, compared to about $857,885 the campaign has in the bank.

“We had 433 people give under $200 or less and those are the people that really need representation in Washington,” Martin said in a statement.

“I want them to know that I am not spending their hard earned money on expensive consultants and upscale cocktail parties but on getting the conservative message out.”

Martin spent some time earlier this month at Hansen’s Tree Service in O’Fallon. The visit was part of “Ed Works,” where Martin spends time at businesses in the 2nd Congressional District.

“The Obama Administration has spent over $500 million of taxpayer money to insolvent companies like Solyndra while overregulating businesses like Hansen’s that are constantly finding innovative ways to become more efficient,” said Martin in a statement.

Click here to see a video of Martin at Hansen’s Tree Service.

KANDER MOMENTUM

State Rep. Jason Kander continued to receive endorsements in his bid for secretary of state.

Kander, D-Kansas City, received the backing of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 72. The organization described itself as the “exclusive bargaining representative for more than 20,000 public servants who work for the state, counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions.”

“Throughout his career, Jason Kander has consistently focused on protecting and creating jobs and advocating for middle-class Missourians,” said Jeff Mazur, executive director of AFSCME Council 72, in a statement.

“As Secretary of State, Jason will undoubtedly continue his work by fighting for the civic rights of everyday folks, protecting the investments of Missouri workers and providing diligent service to our state’s businesses.”

Joplin political scribe Eli Yokley reported that Kander also received kind words from state Treasurer Clint Zweifel, who used to serve a state representative in north St. Louis County. When Yokley asked Zweifel whether he was endorsing Kander’s candidacy, Zweifel said: “I think Jason will serve as a great Secretary of State.”

Two Republicans, including State Sen. Scott Rupp, R-Wentzville, and State Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, have already announced in the race to replace Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. Carnahan, a Democrat, is not running for re-election.