State Rep. Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, yesterday announced he will run for Missouri secretary of state in 2012.
Speaking from the Greene County Courthouse in Springfield, Schoeller said he will be running on a conservative platform, focusing on what he called "fundamental tenets of our nation" - free enterprise and fair elections.
“I pledge to defend these sacred institutions by working to promote the growth of businesses and protect the integrity of our elections process," he said in a news release.
Schoeller has past experience working in the secretary of state's office, serving as an aide under Matt Blunt. He also worked for Sen. Roy Blunt during his time in Congress and former Sens. Kit Bond and John Ashcroft.
Schoeller was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2006, and he currently serves as speaker pro tem.
Schoeller lives in Willard with his wife, Mendie, and three children.
State Rep. Jason Kander, D-Kansas City, and State Sens. Scott Rupp, R-Wentzville, and Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, also have announced bids for the post.
Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan
said in late September that she would not seek re-election for the position, for which she was elected in 2004.
"Many who step away from public life cite a desire to 'spend more time with family,'" Carnahan said in a Sept. 30 news release. "I’ve already learned to cherish every moment spent with family and friends, because I know that life is precious and unpredictable. But I’ve also learned that service can and does take many forms, and elective office is just one of them.
"After eight years as secretary of state, the time will be right for me to return to private life, to gather new ideas and experiences and a fresh perspective."[[In-content Ad]]
