Republican Ashcroft won’t run for Missouri seat on US Senate

(AP) — Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft says he won’t run for the U.S. Senate. The Republican said in a statement Wednesday that he’ll continue serving as the state’s top elections official. Ashcroft was eyed as a top candidate to run for Republican U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt’s seat. Blunt says he’s not seeking reelection. Blunt’s decision has opened the door for a number of ambitious Missouri Republicans interested in making a bid for the Senate. Republicans who have said they’re interested include former Republican Gov. Eric Greitens.