The Associated Press reported Wednesday morning that Sarah Steelman has decided not to run for the Republican nomination for Missouri's U.S. Senate seat in 2010.

Ms. Steelman did well in Northwest Missouri last year when she sought the GOP gubernatorial nomination. She got the most Republican votes in Buchanan and Andrew counties, among others. The former state treasurer eventually lost that nomination to Congressman Kenny Hulshof, who in turn lost the general election to Democrat Jay Nixon.

The story from the Associated Press' David A. Lieb reads:

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - 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 GOP 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 Steelman's prospects for a Senate bid faded, some Republicans speculated that she instead would run for the southwest Missouri congressional seat being vacated by Blunt. But her political adviser, Jeff Layman, confirmed Wednesday that Steelman will not run for the House next year. Layman said he has agreed to raise money for Springfield auctioneer Billy Long, one of several Republicans running for the congressional seat.