Crowell jumps into U.S. Senate race -- on behalf of Steelman
State Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, is endorsing Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman. His support comes as a new independent poll shows the GOP contest tightening among the three chief contenders seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.
Crowell has been one of the most prominent and outspoken fiscal conservatives in the General Assembly. "Sarah is exactly the leader Missouri needs in the U.S. Senate," Crowell said in a statement.


"The Obama-McCaskill agenda has produced nothing but job-killing regulations and unsustainable debt that will burden our nation for generations to come. I trust Sarah to balance the budget and help restore fiscal sanity to Washington, D.C."
One of Steelman’s rivals, St. Louis businessman John Brunner, also is announcing his support this week from several business-related groups, including the Missouri Soybean Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The latter has begun running ads on his behalf.
Brunner and Steelman, a former state treasurer, are vying with U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Wildwood, in the Aug.7 primary. The victor will take on McCaskill in the general election this November.
Brunner is holding a major fundraising event this evening that is cohosted by several of the region’s most prominent Republican business leaders.
So far, Brunner – the wealthiest of the three top GOP candidates – has been funding his campaign himself and has spent the most on TV ads. Tonight’s event is seen as a move to show that he can corral most of business' support – and cut off potential donations to Steelman or Akin.
Steelman’s endorsement by Crowell could help her round up outstate support. Her campaign chairman is state House Speaker Steve Tilley, R-Perryville.
Just a few days ago, Steelman announced that she had the support of St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann.
"Sen. Crowell is a conservative leader who has truly walked the talk," said Steelman in a statement. "I’m proud to be endorsed by someone like Jason who has proven he is never afraid to take up the fight on behalf of the taxpayer against special interests, tax and spend liberals, and those within his own party who don’t hold true to conservative principles."
