Blunt picks up key endorsements

Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) secured several important national endorsements for his 2010 Senate campaign. He tweeted:

Was pleased to be endorsed yesterday by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, @NRSC and @SenJasonCrowell

The final endorsement is from state Sen. Jason Crowell.

Blunt is seeking to take over Sen. Kit Bond’s (R) seat, who is stepping down at the end of this Congress. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch speculated that state Sen. Chuck Purgason, former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman, and former Bush administration official Thomas Schweich are all contemplating runs. These endorsements, combined with Blunt’s name recognition, could put him over the top.

The GOP nominee will likely face Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (D) in the general election.