Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (D) campaigning for the U.S. Senate in Lee’s Summit, Missouri on October 30, 2010.

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, in an e-mail to supporters, announced today that she will not be seeking reelection in 2012:

I’m proud of the success we’ve had in the Secretary of State’s office by staying focused on things that matter for Missourians.

We’ve saved taxpayers money, while still providing terrific services to Missourians. We’ve cut red tape and costs for small businesses so they can focus on growing their businesses and creating jobs. And we have helped consumers and investors learn how to better protect themselves, and recovered more than $10 billion for victims of financial fraud.

We’ve made Missouri history come alive by making our state’s precious historical resources available on-line to hundreds of millions of people all around the world. And, despite the efforts of some to let politics interfere with Missourians right to vote, we’ve protected the rights of voters and the integrity of our elections so that we can all have faith in the fairness of the results.

Without question, serving the state and people that I love has been the honor of my life. Your friendship and support over the years have given me the strength to stand up to challenges, both political and personal. But after careful reflection, I’ve decided not to run for a 3rd term as Secretary of State.

Many who step away from public life cite a desire to “spend more time with family.” 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.

I watched as my father moved regularly between elective office and private life…always devoted to his family and to making a positive difference in the community. He served on church boards, the local school board and helped the Red Cross and countless other causes–every day committed to helping a neighbor and making the community better. Dad always thought his experience as a private citizen helped make him a more effective public servant and a better governor.

After 8 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. But my commitment to public service won’t stop, because I know the challenges facing our country can’t be solved in Washington or Jefferson City alone. It will take ideas, energy and the daily commitment and determination of all of us.

So I plan to stay engaged and involved. And I ask you to do the same. For me, that could include running for elected office again, but it will certainly mean speaking out and working hard for the values we share and the candidates who stand up for them.

My term as Secretary of State continues for another 15 months. During that time, my terrific staff and I will stay focused on providing the type of outstanding service Missourians expect and deserve.

Thanks again for all your help and friendship. It means more to me than you will ever know. I’ll look forward to connecting with you soon.

No one can question Robin Carnahan’s personal commitment to public service. And no one should second guess when a fine public servant decides it’s time for a change.

Representative Jason Kander (D) announced today that he will be running for Secretary of State in 2012:

Representative Jason Kander (center) (D) on the House floor in Jefferson City, May 14, 2010.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, September 30, 2011

Rep. Jason Kander Thanks Secretary Carnahan for Her Tremendous Service; Announces Candidacy for Secretary of State

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Rep. Jason Kander (D-Kansas City) issued the following statement today regarding the announcement by Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan that she won’t be seeking reelection:

“I want to express my deep gratitude to Secretary Carnahan for her years of service to Missouri. In a state full of accomplished public servants her achievements stand out. Her dedication to public service has made this state demonstrably better. From fighting aggressively to protect our senior citizens from fraud to ensuring fair elections year in and out, Secretary Carnahan has led from the front. I am confident that in her future endeavors she will continue to stand up for Missourians, and I look forward to continue working with her in the future.

“It is important that the next Secretary of State continues moving the office forward in the most efficient and effective manner. Our next Secretary of State must be someone who knows the difficulties small businesses face. Our next Secretary of State must be someone who has a record of fighting fraud and corruption in government. Our next Secretary of State must be beholden to no one but the voters. Our next Secretary of State must be committed to working every day to making Missouri stronger.

“I am the son of a cop and a juvenile probation officer. I am the husband of a small business owner. I am the product of an extended family of foster brothers. I am a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. I am running for Secretary of State and I look forward to talking with citizens from across Missouri about my vision for the office.”

Jason Kander is a State Representative from Kansas City and currently serves in the Army National Guard. As a military intelligence officer in the Army Reserve, Kander volunteered in 2006 for deployment and served in Afghanistan. In 2010, he was one of ten soldiers selected as national finalists for Army Reserve Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year. Rep. Kander currently serves on the Missouri Veterans Commission. Kander is a lawyer and lives with his wife Diana in Kansas City.

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Jason Kander has also demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and personal sacrifice.

We’re in good shape when good people choose to serve.