Source: Politics<\/p>\n
Eric Greitens, the disgraced former Republican governor of Missouri, announced Monday he is running for Senate next year.<\/p>\n
Greitens, who resigned in the middle of his term following allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman, became the first prominent Republican to enter the race to replace GOP Sen. Roy Blunt, who announced earlier this month he would not seek a third term.<\/p>\n
“I have been so encouraged by the people of Missouri that I’m happy to announce tonight that I am running for the United States Senate to continue serving the people of Missouri,” Greitens said during the interview on Fox News Channel.<\/p>\n
The prospect of Greitens’ campaign has alarmed Republicans<\/a> who fear he could put the otherwise safe Republican seat in jeopardy if he wins a crowded and split primary.<\/p>\n Several other Republicans are considering bids, including state Attorney General Eric Schmitt and state Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, and Reps. Vicky Hartzler<\/a>, Jason Smith<\/a> and Ann Wagner<\/a>. Two state officials, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe said they will not run.<\/p>\n Several Democrats are running, including former state Sen. Scott Sifton, Marine veteran Lucas Kunce and activist Tim Shepard.<\/p>\n