Robin Carnahan

Robin Carnahan

US Senate, Missouri

  • An impressive record of service
  • A leader on election reform
  • A strong candidate in a swing state

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About Robin Carnahan

A marquee race in a swing state

When GOP Sen. Kit Bond announced he would not run for re-election, the U.S. Senate in Missouri became a top Democratic takeover target. Democrats united behind Robin Carnahan, Missouri’s secretary of state, who has a record of leadership and proven bipartisan appeal. One of only two Democrats to win statewide in 2004, Carnahan earned more votes in 2008 than any other candidate in Missouri history. But Republicans won’t give this seat up without a costly fight. The GOP establishment is backing Rep. Roy Blunt, who got his start in politics working for John Ashcroft.Voters will have a clear choice between Blunt, a Republican insider, and Carnahan, a reform-minded rising star.

A reformer with deep Missouri roots

As secretary of state, Carnahan has cracked down on financial fraud, cut costs and red tape for businesses, protected consumers, and safeguarded the integrity of elections. A fifth-generation Missourian, she comes from one of the most respected families in the state. Her late father, Mel, was governor; her mother, Jean, was Missouri’s first woman U.S. senator; her brother Russ is a congressman, as was her grandfather. An attorney with a background in international trade and development, Carnahan still manages her family’s 900-acre farm in rural Missouri.

Increasing the majority in the Senate

Taking control of Republican-held seats like this one is critical for Democrats to increase the majority in the Senate and secure enough votes to bring about the change Americans need. Robin Carnahan has the talent and political will to run a winning campaign, but she will need vast resources to overcome Blunt’s vast fundraising network and Republican determination to hold this seat. Early support from EMILY’s List members will help her raise $15 million to build a strong grassroots organization that can fend off right-wing attacks and win this Senate seat for Democrats.

October 21, 2009

Carnahan speaks with students about senatorial campaign

The Maneater

Carnahan speaks with students about senatorial campaign

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan made an appearance Wednesday night at the MU School of Law where she spoke to students about her upcoming senatorial campaign and political issues.

Carnahan is the sole Democrat running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo. U.S. House Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., is the prospective Republican opponent for the seat, and polling numbers show both candidates have virtually equal support.

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September 23, 2009

Poll shows Carnahan, Blunt in dead heat

Read My Lipstick: The EMILY's List Blog

Poll shows Carnahan, Blunt in dead heat

They call Missouri the "Show-Me State" for a reason. We knew the battle for the Senate between two major political names would be a tough one in this truly purple state, and the voters of Missouri are showing us exactly how challenging it's going to be.

In a recent Rasmussen poll, EMILY's List candidate (and current Secretary of State) Robin Carnahan garnered 46% of the vote among poll participants -- and her opponent, GOP Cong. Roy Blunt, received exactly the same percentage. Calling the results "uncommonly close," Rasmussen showed this race will come down to the wire.

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September 4, 2009

Libraries presented with grant money

St. Joseph News-Press

Libraries presented with grant money

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan was in St. Joseph Thursday, handing over a ceremonial check for $38,000 for new computers at three St. Joseph library branches. She also took some questions about her bid for a seat in the U.S. Senate.

Missouri is one of 11 states that split $1 million in library grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Carnegie, Washington Park and East Hills libraries will use the money to purchase 40 new computers, software, printers and training for staff and patrons.

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