Politics & Government
Ann Wagner Haul Raises Eyebrows
Wagner campaign responds to speculation from Politico that she may switch races.
Ann Wagner wowed political observers with her latest fundraising quarter. So much so, in fact, that at least one politico speculated that she might be eyeing another contest.
Wagner, a Ballwin Republican who previously served as Missouri Republican Party chairwoman and ambassador to Luxemburg, raised $532,093.07 in the 3rd quarter for her 2nd Congressional District bid. That was far more than what the other GOP contender for the seat, Republican attorney Ed Martin, brought in during the fundraising quarter.
“I am honored to have earned the trust and support of so many citizens across the 2nd District,” said Wagner in a statement. “I am energized by the strength and momentum of our campaign. And I intend to answer the call of the people to bring strong, effective, conservative leadership to Washington."
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In recent weeks, Wagner received a number of high-profile endorsements for her congressional bid. She held an event with , and received the backing of former and
But Wagner’s fundraising quarter also exceeded the totals of two GOP U.S. Senate candidates: U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Wildwood, and former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman. She also outraised Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, who is considering a run for governor.
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That lead Politico reporter Dave Catanese to wonder aloud whether Wagner was thinking about getting into the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Wagner had actually toyed with the idea earlier this year
Catanese went on to say that such a move would be “a tremendous slight against Akin.”
“This eye-raising performance is almost certain to stoke speculation on whether Wagner should reconsider switching to the bigger prize: the Senate race,” Catanese wrote. “She briefly toyed with the idea following her unsuccessful bid for RNC chairman, but settled on a House bid as a more realistic opportunity and with the assurance that Akin would seek a spot in the upper chamber.”
At least one Democratic-leaning site noticed when Wagner’s Twitter account retweeted Catanese stating maybe Wagner “should switch to #MOSEN after all?”
What does Wagner’s campaign think of all of this?
“Ann Wagner is running for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District,” said Wagner spokesman Christian Morgan in an e-mail. “Period.”