The race for the Republican nomination for the US Senate seat held by retiring Senator Kit Bond saw nine people sign up on the first day of filing. State Senator Chuck Purgason of Caulfield was among the many. E Pluribus Unum - Of many, one. In this case … Of many, Purgason.

The big name in this race is Congressman Roy Blunt, who is expected by political observers in Missouri and in the Nation’s Capital to win the GOP primary and then face likely Democrat nominee Robin Carnahan in November. But Purgason isn’t going to let Blunt win it without a fight.

Purgason, who spent much of the Lincoln Days weekend in St. Charles promoting his candidacy, acknowledges he faces a tough task.

“It’s a tough challenge,” said Purgason in an interview with The Missouri Record. “But, you know, the country’s facing a tough challenge right now. We’re broke as a nation. Both parties have put us in that position and I think it’s time that people started looking at some new leadership that actually stands on principles - like our party’s supposed to - of balanced budgets and no earmarks and start electing a new generation of leaders that begin the process of clearing up some of this debt so our children and grandchildren will have a brighter future.”

Purgason says frontrunner Blunt must take part of the blame for the shape the country is in.

“I think Roy Blunt had an opportunity when we [Republicans] were in leadership in Congress and they blew it,” said Purgason. They rung up additional debt to this nation. They added unfunded liabilities that we can’t pay now, so we can’t afford any more of that leadership.”

Purgason insists he is in it to win it and has no intention of dropping out of the race. He collect donations … a few dollars at a time.

“I raise $25 at a time and I raise enough money to get out and travel and try to spread the message,” said Purgason. “I had a guy tell me I was tea party when tea party wasn’t cool.”