UPDATE: (4:15 p.m.) Blunt's reaction below.

****

RepubliThomas SchweichThomas Schweichcan Thomas Schweich who was eye-balling a race for the U.S. Senate in Missouri, said today he's out....and backing Roy Blunt.

He suggested that his move is the only path toward party unity in what shapes up as a tough race for the Republican candidate against Democrat Robin Carnahan next year.

Former Sen. Jack Danforth, you may recall, was touting Schweich to Republicans far and wide not long ago. And Schweich had some other heavy hitters behind him, too.

Sarah Steelman now remains the lone Republican of any prominence still considering the race.

If she's aRoy BluntRoy Blunt no-go, Blunt will have dodged a very big bullet in the form of a primary.

Steelman, by the way, isn't responding to phone calls from Prime Buzz these days.

Meantime, GOP insiders are saying one emerging scenario has Schweich running for state auditor next year against Democratic incumbent Susan Montee while Steelman takes a shot at the 7th District congressional seat in southwest Missouri that Blunt is vacating.

The primary field for that race should be crowded, but Steelman would almost certainly be the best-known of the bunch. 

Here's Schweich's statement:

"A few weeks ago, I stated that I was considering running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Kit Bond.  At that time, I indicated that I would only run if my candidacy would contribute to party unity and would make it more likely that Republicans keep the Senate seat.

"Since that time, I have met Republicans throughout the state to discuss the Senate race.  These conversations were very helpful to me.  However, as a result of these discussions, I have concluded that my entering the race would be divisive and probably lower the chances of keeping Sen. Bond's seat in Republican hands.

"I have also had the chance to speak with Rep. Roy Blunt, and he has addressed in a forthright and admirable way the issues that I and others have previously raised about his candidacy.

"As a result, in the name of party unity, I have chosen not to run for U.S. Senate.  I believe that we should unite behind Rep. Blunt."

**** 

Blunt's statement via spokesman Rich Chrismer:

"Roy is pleased to have Tom Schweich's personal support and this demonstrates the rapidly growing momentum for our campaign which has the support of Senator Bond, every Missouri Republican in the U.S. House, the majority of Republicans in the Missouri House and Senate and grassroots supporters from across the state."