Private equity firm hires Gov. Blunt

Gov. Matt Blunt, who hands his state duties to Gov.-elect Jay Nixon on Jan. 12, has lined up his next career move.

Blunt will join Lexington, Mass.-based private equity firm Solamere Capital as a senior adviser on Jan. 13, according to a company news release. He will evaluate opportunities and work to grow Solamere's investments and portfolio, the release said.

"Gov. Blunt's achievements in managing difficult and complicated budgets are appreciated in Missouri and across the country," the company said. "He strengthens our team by bringing the right mix of experience, which will be a significant benefit for our investors and partner funds."

According to www.solameregroup.com, a co-founder of Solamere is Tagg Romney, son of former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, whom Blunt publicly supported.

Blunt, a Springfield native, was elected governor in 2004. He previously was Missouri's secretary of state and served in the House of Representatives. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1993 and served more than five years on active duty, according to the release.[[In-content Ad]]