/ Source: The Associated Press
People close to Missouri congressman Roy Blunt say he is running for the U.S. Senate in 2010.
People familiar with Blunt's intentions say the Republican will announce his candidacy Thursday. They spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid upstaging Blunt's announcement.
Blunt would be seeking the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Kit Bond, who announced in January that he would not seek a fifth term. So far, Democratic Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is the only other candidate to enter the race.
Blunt has represented southwestern Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1997 and recently stepped aside as the House minority whip. His son Matt Blunt just ended a four-year term as the state's governor.