Steelman released a statement saying she won't pursue a campaign next year because she has unfinished business raising her youngest son.

"For months I have considered running for the U.S. Senate and I have been honored and gratified by people throughout the state and country who have encouraged me to run. I loved serving the people of Missouri as state Treasurer and a state Senator and I struggled with my decision because I know there is much work that needs to be done, or undone, in Washington," Steelman said.

"But, I have unfinished work here. Sam and Joe, our two oldest are in college. However, our youngest, Michael is 14 and I want to raise him here in Missouri -- in the heart of this country, not in Washington D.C.," Steelman said.

"To everything there is a season. This is my time to work hard as a private citizen, along with the growing number of like-minded citizens, to restore the conservative principles of freedom that made this the greatest country in the world," Steelman concluded.

Steelman's announcement likely clears away a competitive U.S. Senate primary challenge to Congressman Roy Blunt. It means she has no plans to pursue elected office in 2010. On the other hand, it will immediately begin subtle speculation about what options she may pursue in 2012, when both U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill and Gov. Jay Nixon will likely attempt re-election.
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from David Lieb, The Associated Press:

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Former state treasurer Sarah Steelman said she will not run for public office next year, ending months of speculation that she was considering a bid for the U.S. Senate or House.

Steelman, a Republican from Rolla who once said she was leaning toward running for Senate, released a statement late Tuesday saying she struggled with her decision but ultimately chose not to run because she wants to raise her youngest son in Missouri. Her two oldest sons are in college.

"This is my time to work hard as a private citizen, along with the growing number of like-minded citizens, to restore the conservative principles of freedom that made this the greatest country in the world," Steelman said.

Steelman, 51, lost a Republican primary for governor last year and had said she was considering a Senate campaign after Republican Sen. Kit Bond announced in January that he would not seek re-election in 2010. In February, Steelman said she was leaning toward running, but she dialed back her efforts over the coming months, signaling she was unlikely to run.

Her decision leaves a likely Republican primary between U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt and state Sen. Chuck Purgason, who already have declared their candidacies for Bond's seat. Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is the only Democrat in the race.

As her prospects for a Senate bid faded, some Republicans speculated that Steelman instead would run for the southwest Missouri congressional seat being vacated by Blunt. Layman confirmed Wednesday that Steelman will not run for the House next year. Layman said he has agreed to raise money for auctioneer Billy Long of Springfield, one of several Republicans running for the congressional seat.