Robin CarnahanRobin Carnahan                                                             Robin Carnahan, the daughter of a former Missouri governor and U.S. senator, said today she will run for the Senate next year.

Carnahan, the two-term Democratic secretary of state, will seek the seat being vacated by four-term Sen. Kit Bond, a Republican.

"Our country is facing tough economic times and threats to our security like never before.  It’s time we had elected leaders ready to stop the political bickering and start solving problems," said Carnahan.  "Like rebuilding our economy so that it works for everyone and making government accountable for every nickel it spends.

"It also means cracking down on the fraud and abuse both on Wall Street and in Washington that got us into this mess in the first place."

Carnahan announced that she will be a candidate in a video posted on her website, www.robincarnahan.com, that was also e-mailed to supporters (full text of statement below).  The video is also available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaZbGVOgDYI.

Her announcement comes as Democrats are trying to reach 60 votes in the Senate to cut off debate and funnel their legislative agenda through the chamber.

Among Republicans said to be interested are Congressman Roy Blunt, former state treasurer Sarah Steelman and former Sen. Jim Talent.

Carnahan noted that her experience helping small businesses and cracking down on big financial institutions as Missouri Secretary of State shows that she is prepared to take on the challenges we face as a country.

"For me, public service is about making government work by solving problems and providing opportunities for people to improve their lives."

Carnahan is serving in her second term as Missouri Secretary of State.  In November of 2008, Carnahan received more votes than any candidate in the state’s history.

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What follows is the full text of Carnahan's statement announcing her candidacy.

Hi I’m Robin Carnahan.  I wanted to take a minute and let you know why I’ve decided to run for the United States Senate.

Our country is facing tough economic times and threats to our security like never before. It’s time we had elected leaders ready to stop the political bickering and start solving problems.

Like rebuilding our economy so that it works for everyone and making government accountable for every nickel it spends.

It also means cracking down on the fraud and abuse both on Wall Street and in Washington that got us into this mess in the first place.

For me, public service is about making government work by solving problems and providing opportunities for people to improve their lives.

That’s what I’ve done as Missouri’s Secretary of State.  Over the last 4 years, I’ve helped small businesses by cutting millions of dollars in costs and red tape.  I’ve cracked down on big financial institutions and small time scam artists, and protected the life savings of thousands of Missourians. I’ve safeguarded the integrity of our elections and the right of every eligible Missourian to vote.

I’d like to bring that same common sense and commitment to the United States Senate…

And with your help, I will.

Now I know, launching a campaign like this is no small task.

As some of you may know, I still manage my family’s cattle farm outside Rolla so I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and work hard.  Election Day is many months away and I know this will be a marathon.  But that’s OK -- I’ve run in real marathons and I’m ready to go the distance.

But this race, I can’t run alone.  So over the next few weeks, we’ll start building our campaign team.  And I’ll need your help every step of the way.

I’m full of hope, because, like you, I’ve seen what people can do when they’re committed to a common purpose and ready to change Washington.

I’d appreciate your help, I hope you’ll take a minute and visit my website. It’s just getting started, but it’s a great place for you to sign up to be part of our team.

Thanks for watching.