Brunner contemplating run for Missouri governor

Republican former U.S. Senate candidate John Brunner says he is contemplating a run for Missouri governor in 2016.

Brunner told the Associated Press on Friday that he has received encouragement to run but doesn’t plan to make a decision until after the 2014 elections.

His comments came several days after former U.S. attorney and Missouri House Speaker Catherine Hanaway announced her Republican candidacy for governor.

Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich is another potential Republican candidate, but he first faces re-election this year.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon is barred by term limits from seeking re-election. Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster already is building a gubernatorial campaign.

Brunner is a former St. Louis businessman who ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in the 2012 Republican primary.

This story was originally published February 14, 2014 at 1:54 PM with the headline "Brunner contemplating run for Missouri governor."