Roy Blunt reflects on his life in politics as end of tenure approaches

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., on Saturday reflected on his 50-year career in politics as part of the My Missouri lecture series at the State Historical Society of Missouri.

Previous lectures were by U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., in 2019 and legendary former University of Missouri head men's basketball coach Norm Stewart in 2021.

The talk was part of a kind of farewell tour for Blunt, who isn't seeking reelection.

"I've had events in all 114 counties and the city of St. Louis," Blunt said. "I've been reminded once again about the beauty and the diversity of our state."

He's had a good career, Blunt said to close his talk.

"I'm grateful that Missourians have allowed me to be part of their lives and to work for them," Blunt said.

He received a standing ovation.

"Missourians are looking for new ways to do new things and new ways to do old things," Blunt said.

His talk focused on his own career, but also other Missourians who have made a difference in American life.

He listed innovators like J.C. Penney; Sam Walton, who started Walmart; and John Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops.

In science, there was astronomer Edwin Hubble and plant scientist George Washington Carver.

And there was a famous Missourian in the White House, Blunt said.

"No new president has made more consequential decisions than Harry Truman in his first six months as president," Blunt said.

Missouri is a special place, he said.

"I think we're at our best when we grow things and make things, mine things and move things around," Blunt said.

Missouri also has outstanding research institutions, he said.

His first political job was as Greene County clerk, where he said he benefited from a competitive media market, with reporters at the courthouse every day.

"I had just turned 23," he said of starting as county clerk.

In 1984, he ran for Secretary of State when incumbent James Kirkpatrick decided to retire. He won the election, becoming the first Republican in the position in 50 years.

"In 1984, it didn't hurt that Ronald Reagan was running for reelection," Blunt said.

He lost the Republican primary for governor in 1992 and became president of Southwest Baptist University in Springfield.

In 1996, he told a friend he was going to get out of politics and run for Congress, he said. He won that election and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010.

He's retiring 13,000 votes after his first vote in Congress, he said.

"What's next?" asked Columbia Chamber of Commerce member Wally Pfeffer.

Blunt didn't have a specific answer.

"I like to work," Blunt said. "I don't have enough hobbies not to work. I look forward to what happens next."

Speaking with a reporter after his talk, Blunt said he sends his best wishes to Paul Pelosi, husband of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who was attacked in their home on Friday.

"It's outrageous," Blunt said of the attack. "The vilification of politicians and politics can lead people to irrational behavior. I'm hopeful it's a reason to tamp down the needless element of anger in our politics."

Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on Twitter at @rmckinney9.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: U.S. Sen Roy Blunt, preparing to leave politics, is reflective