Martin Decides to Stay in Congressional race, Passes on Bid for Governor

From the St. Louis Beacon via johncombest:

A supportive Facebook page notwithstanding, St. Louis lawyer Ed Martin has decided against running for Missouri governor and will stick with his current Republican quest for the 2nd District congressional seat, a spokesman says.
“He will not be running for governor,” spokesman Rush James said today. “Ed’s intention is to change Washington, and that has been his focus from the beginning.”
Martin had touched off a flurry of talk after his radio appearance on KMOX (1120 AM) a week ago, in which he said he was considering yet another campaign switch in the wake of encouragement to run for governor.
James acknowledged that the campaign “sat down and discussed it,” but ultimately Martin decided to stick with his congressional campaign. He is competing against former Ambassador Ann Wagner, a former state GOP chief who has outpaced Martin in fundraising and in endorsements.
Martin earlier had been a candidate for the U.S. Senate when he shifted to the House contest months ago. Martin lately also had been seen as a potential contender for lieutenant governor, during the GOP frenzy following House Speaker Steve Tilley’s surprise decision last month to drop out.
Among the reasons for the talk has been the list of prominent Republicans who have signed on as “friends” on the Facebook page “Draft Martin for Governor’,” the creation of which has been tied by some to Martin allies.
Those who have signed up as “friends” to the page, or posted complimentary comments, include state Sens. Jim Lembke, R-Lemay, and Brian Nieves, R-Washington, former state Rep. Allen Icet, current state Rep. Paul Curtman, Missouri Right to Life president Pam Fichter and former state Rep. Carl Bearden, who now heads a fiscally conservative group, United For Missouri.