Blunt has GOP rival: state Sen. Chuck Purgason plans to make it official Thursday

[ccharles000]

State Sen. Chuck Purgason, R-Caulfield, sent out e-mail alerts late Monday that he "will announce on Thursday his decision on entering the race for the United State Senate."

But his email offered a strong hint of his plans: "It is expected that Senator Purgason will announce that he will enter the race for the seat currently held by the retiring Senator Kit Bond. Senator Purgason will explain his reasons and answer questions from the press."

The announcement and news conference are set for 2 p.m. Thursday at the
Ozark Café in West Plains.

Purgason's email alert doesn't mention by name his GOP rival, U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Strafford. But here's Purgason's explanation, offered Monday night to KY3's Dave Catanese, on why he has finally decided to challenge Blunt.

A few weeks ago, Purgason talked to the Beacon about why he believed he might have a better shot at winning statewide against the likely Democrat, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.

http://www.stlbeacon.org/beacon_backroom/blunt_has_gop_rival_state_sen_chuck_purgason_plans_to_make_it_official_thursday