"As Attorney General, and now as a candidate for Governor, my priority has been standing up for regular Missourians.  I'm proud of my record of going after criminals so that our neighborhoods are safer, standing up for Missouri consumers and expanding health care opportunities. 

"I've always believed that Missouri must be a place where if you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to make a better life for your family. And while my opponent in this race may be different, those priorities will always remain the same."

"This campaign will continue to be about putting forward new, fresh ideas to move Missouri forward."

"Georganne and I wish Governor and Mrs. Blunt all the best in their future endeavors.  As the Republican establishment makes its decision on a candidate, I will continue to do what I've been doing: traveling the state and listening to regular Missourians talk about the real challenges they face."

"Because the health care crisis in our state is real. The economic downturn in our state is real.  And the soaring cost of college tuition in this state is also real.  And because of these challenges, this campaign must be about new ideas, new priorities and a better future for Missouri."

"This campaign is an opportunity to talk about how to build that better future, and over the coming months, I will continue to offer specific, common sense proposals to address these challenges."

"From day one, my campaign has been about changing the direction of our state.  And that's no different today than it was yesterday, because I know we can do better."

"Too many Missourians have no health coverage, and those fortunate enough to have coverage are paying too much for it.  Too many of our hardworking neighbors can't find good-paying jobs or worry about losing the jobs they do have.  And too many of our children still aren't getting the quality education they deserve. "

"Missouri is a great state that has been held back by bad decisions and wrong priorities. I'm running for governor to bring about the change we need to get Missouri moving in the right direction again."

"We will be successful not because of whom the Republicans may nominate, but because Missourians know that change will only happen if we elect a Governor with fundamentally different priorities."

That's the message I hear at every stop we make around the state.  It's everywhere. Missourians are united for change.  And together, we can bring about real change for Missouri families - by expanding access to health care, creating new jobs and making sure that every Missouri child receives the quality education they deserve.

"I look forward to the challenge that lies ahead and to working with regular Missourians to bring about the change of direction we need."

KOMU will have more on Blunt's annoucement and Nixon's reaction tonight on KOMU News at 5 & 6 and on KOMU.com.