A new name is surfacing for Missouri's open U.S. Senate seat next year -- Thomas Schweich.

He's a Washington University visiting law school professor and "ambassador-in-residence.'' A whole cadre of St. Louis area Republicans are singing his praises, including former Sen. Jack Danforth and Bush cousin Bert Walker.

Schewich has told The St. Louis Beacon that he's been encouraged to take a look. This is for the seat that Roy Blunt is seeking and Sarah Steelman is considering.

Blunt's camp responded:

Roy Blunt would welcome Mr. Schweich's support in our campaign.  As Senator Bond said last week, Roy has the desire and the ability to unite our party which is why he has wide and broad support from grassroots volunteers to Missouri's elected officials.  Support for Roy Blunt includes Senator Bond, every member of Missouri's Republican delegation in the U.S. House and 71 of the 89 Republican members of the Missouri House.

Roy Blunt appears to be the only one willing to draw contrast with Robin Carnahan or compare his record on the issues with hers.  If we are going to prevent the national Democrats from total one-party control in Washington, we need a candidate like Roy Blunt who is going to stand up for Missouri common sense and fight and win to put Missouri's future first.