By AP/KCUR
In the race to replace retiring Missouri Senator Kit Bond, Roy Blunt, a congressman from southwest Missouri, won a nine-way Republican Senate primary over tea party contender Chuck Purgason. Blunt had 71 percent of the vote to Purgason's 13 percent. But Purgason says the race was worth the effort.
"I knew that it was an uphill battle because of the money and the power of the leadership of the Republican Party," said Purgason. "I think we've been going the wrong direction, and if in any way that I helped try to get us back to what the basics of our party is, you know, I consider a success."
Purgason did not say if he will support Blunt in November. He only says he will work to elect strong conservatives to office. Purgason had the backing of some Tea Party groups, many of whom have been critical of Blunt.
Robin Carnahan, Missouri's secretary of State won a Senate primary position over two-lesser known Democrats. Carnahan received 84 percent of the vote.