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Republican State Senator Gary Nodler of Joplin announced on Thursday that he has decided to run for the Congressional seat soon to be vacated by Roy Blunt. KSMU’s Jennifer Moore was at the press conference and reports.

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Gary Nodler Congressional Announcement

The Senator and his wife say goodbye to the group gathered to receive his announcement.

Gary Nodler Congressional Announcement

Senator Gary Nodler answers one-on-one questions to the press after his announcement.

Gary Nodler Congressional Announcement

Senator Gary Nodler announces his run for Congress.

Gary Nodler Congressional Announcement

Speaker of the House Ron Richard introduces Senator Gary Nodler.

(Photos by Sam Senovich)

Nodler made the announcement in front of about 100 supporters at the Discovery Center in Springfield.

In his opening remarks, Nodler talked about his opposition to abortion, human cloning and gay marriage.

Nodler also said he believes the current economic recession can only be solved by what he called “fiscal discipline."

He becomes one of several Republicans seeking the Congressional seat for Missouri’s 7th district. His colleague in the Senate, Jack Goodman, announced his bid for the same position months ago. Nodler said what separates him from the other Repubican candidates is experience.

And while the Republican side of the race is getting crowded, the Democrats have yet to announce a candidate from their party.

Matt Patterson, executive chairman of the Greene County Democratic Party, said that there are a couple of individuals who are seriously considering running.
The last time a Democrat won the Congressional seat was in 1956.

Patterson acknowledged that it would be an upset for a Democrat to win in this traditionally conservative corner of the state. But he feels the momentum Democrats saw in the November elections will affect this race. He says he believes a crowded Republican primary can only serve to benefit the Democrats.

Republican Congressman Roy Blunt has held Missouri’s 7th Congressional seat since 1996, and is now running for the US Senate.

For KSMU News, I’m Jennifer Moore.

 

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