By Joe Hadsall

jhadsall@joplinglobe.com

Challengers have thinned out for state Sen. Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, who is bidding to be the next Missouri attorney general, and local Republicans said Monday they are pleased by the development.

Gibbons originally was expected to be one of three Republican candidates for the office, along with state Sen. Chris Koster, of Harrisonville, whose district includes Vernon County, and U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway, of Warson Woods. But Koster switched to the Democratic Party earlier this year, and Hanaway announced recently that she would not seek the office.

That leaves the road open so far for Gibbons through the Republican primary as he vies to replace Attorney General Jay Nixon, a Democrat who is seeking to be the next Missouri governor.

Koster, state Rep. Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, and state Rep. Margaret Donnelly, D-St. Louis, are expected to compete in the Democratic primary for attorney general.

Gibbons stopped Monday in Joplin as part of a two-day, nine-city campaign kickoff. He was met by state Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin; state Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, who is speaker-elect of the state House; and state Rep. Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City. Gibbons spoke at the Joplin Regional Airport and touted his years of experience in the Legislature.

Gibbons, an attorney, is the Senate president pro tem and is serving his second term in the Missouri Senate. He previously was a state representative for eight years.

Gibbons said he would work with law enforcement and prosecutors, ensure that taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted, enforce immigration laws, and fight for consumer rights.

“He’s a Southwest Missouri guy in disguise,” Richard said. “He doesn’t take credit for legislation. He’s unassuming and works with all parts of the state.”

War chest

State Sen. Michael Gibbons has $220,811.71 on hand in his campaign war chest, according to a report filed Monday with the Missouri Ethics Commission.