Jay Nixon (D)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline)-Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon is on his way becoming the Show Me State's next governor, exit polling indicates.
The Democrat is running against six-term Republican Congressman Kenny Hulshof. Nixon and Hulshof are vying to succeed Republican Gov. Matt Blunt, who is not seeking a second term.
The Associated Press has called the race for Nixon, based on exit polling.
In the race for Missouri's 11 electoral votes, the contest between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain is too early to call.
Given the combination of Nixon's name recognition, his campaign resources and his Republican opponent's late start in the race, Nixon is favored to win, University of Missouri political scientist Peverill Squire told Legal Newsline.
Nixon was elected to the state Senate in 1986, at the earliest age possible under law. He was elected as the state's attorney general in 1993.
From Legal Newsline: Reach reporter Chris Rizo at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.