Missouri Democrats Keep Pumping Out Carnahans

Missouri is technically a swing state, but not in the traditional sense. While similarly minded states like Ohio and Florida divide their allegiances between Republicans and Democrats, in Missouri it's basically between Republicans and Carnahans.

That's right, with the exception of Sen. Claire McCaskill, the Carnahan Clan is responsible for just about every significant Democratic victory in the state over the past two decades. Among the family stars:

A.S.J. Carnahan: His 1945 election to Congress launched the family dynasty.

Mel Carnahan: Son of A.S.J. and a former governor and lieutenant governor who died in a tragic plane crash. Wildly popular, he gained national fame by defeating John Ashcroft from beyond the grave.

Jean Carnahan: The state's former first lady who served Mel's Senate term in his stead.

Russ Carnahan: Son of Mel and Jean, and a United States Congressman.

And now comes the news that yet another Carnahan, Robin, currently Missouri's Secretary of State, leads in a preliminary poll for Kit Bond's Senate seat...

"If she runs, Robin Carnahan has to be considered the frontrunner for Missouri's open Senate seat in 2010," said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling.

It's not unusual for one family to dominate a state political party. In Mississippi, for instance, "the Democratic candidate" is basically insider-speak for former governor Ronnie Musgrove. For years, Alaska Democrats kept running former Governor Tony Knowles-- possibly because (until recently) their only alternative has been Mike Gravel. And what would a Washington, DC election be without Carol Schwartz on the Republican ticket?

But in Missouri, it's the name Carnahan that gets you elected to higher office. Congress, Senate, Governor... who knows what the limit may be?

And on that note, reports have surfaced that a certain "Mitt Carnahan" has been spotted around the state, making noise about a 2012 presidential campaign.