Word Is Bond

Reducing the number of Americans comfortable with the nickname "Kit" in the United States Senate, Kit Bond is bailing out.

Republican Sen. Kit Bond announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election in 2010, saying he wants to go out "at the top of my game" and setting the stage for what one expert said could be a "land rush" for the seat.

Bond, 69, made the announcement at the state Capitol, shortly after Missouri lawmakers convened.

"Public service has been a blessing and a labor of love for me ... but I have decided that my Senate career will end after this, my fourth term," he said.

That immediately becomes a top target for Democrats in 2010. McCain actually pulled out Missouri slightly, so it's still a right-down-the-middle purple seat. However, at the statewide level, Democrats have prevailed in many recent elections, including Governor. If Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, with the lineage of state royalty and progressive policy chops, decides to run, she would certainly have a very good chance of winning. I met Robin at the DNC this year, and would be interested to see if she wants to run. There are plenty of Republicans who would angle for this seat as well.

Jonathan Singer has more at MyDD here and here.