Why doesn't Gephardt run for US Senate this year?

[Eric J in MN]

www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=S0491103

Republican Senator Christopher S. 'Kit' Bond (MO)
is up for re-election this year.

Wouldn't Gephardt make as good a Democratic challenger as anyone?

[leyton]

1. I think so.

And, heck, I don't think the Federal filing date is for another month or two months. (At least, not here in NC, and since Senate is a national office, I assume it's the same everywhere... Anyone know?)

But I think Gephardt's gotta be tired. Campaigning for President has got to take the energy right out of you. And I imagine a guy would want to enjoy private life somewhat.

But I think he should consider running in two or four years if he wants to get back into politics (and assuming we don't make him secretary of labor first!).

[John_H]

2. I was thinking the same thing for several reasons

He can probably appoint his successor in his House district, he's never going to be a member of the house leadership again, and he has a damn good chance of beating Bond, while carrying the state for the Dem ticket thanks to his mobilization prowess.

[adadem]

3. I was wondering the same thing

I absolutely cannot stand Kit Bond; he is as obnoxious as Republicans come.

[Thistle42]

4. I think it is a great Idea!

I started to cry when I saw his concession speech on PBS Jim Lehrer Hour. What a great American.

[newyawker99]

11. Hi Thistle42!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[TexasSissy]

5. Well, he was demoted in the House. So....

maybe he thinks his prospects aren't good in the Senate. Also, is there someone leaving office in his state (Michigan?), or a non-Dem. who is hte Sen.?

[TexasSissy]

6. Never mind my post.

I should've paid attention to the content of your post where you identify the Sen. who is up for re-election. Hmmmmm. Interesting.

[ikojo]

7. Missouri resident and voter here...

Gephardt would have a very difficult time winning a Senatorial election. The pugs would so cast him as the ultimate Washington insider. I also don't think he would do well with outstate (i.e. those not in KC or St Louis) Missouri voters. I don't really know Gephardt's view on guns but I am sure that like most of his views they have changed over and over during the course of his political career. If his gun views are opposite those of the NRA that would be enough to cause him to lose any Senatorial election.

St Louis County (of which the City of St Louis is NOT a part) is solidly Republican and more of it was drawn into Gephardt's Third Congressional District.

The City of St Louis is solidly Democratic.


That being said I'd be VERY happy to see someone beat that smarmy Kit Bond.

[Eric J in MN]

9. but is there a Democrat in MO who would have a better chance? (nt)

nt

[Cocoa]

8. too late, maybe

just a guess, but maybe a dem has already started running and it wouldn't be fair. :shrug:

[Freddie Stubbs]

10. Probably because he doens't want to be a Senator

It would be a step down for him. He used to be the House Majority Leader and House Minority Leader. If elected, he would be the low man on the totum pole.