The former State Representative said he'll run for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor. With current Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder in the race for governor, that leaves a hole in the GOP's plan for the number two slot. This move is emblematic of a state party trying to regain its footing on the path to November.

"People kept asking me, 'What are you going to do? What are you going to do?' And, this is what we're going to do," Jackson said.

Jackson made that decision, throwing his hat into the ring as the only Republican candidate for lieutenant governor. While Jackson is alone for now in his race, the race for the next seat up could soon have a very crowded Republican field. No one has officially joined the race, but some of the other possible nominees for governor include State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, Congressman Kenny Hulshof and State House Speaker Rod Jetton.

Jackson might find competition from State Senator John Loudon.

"I think for us it's an exciting opportunity," said Paul Sloca of the Missouri Republican Party. "You have a lot of people out there who are highly qualified, who are capable. We have such a strong foundation and a deep bench when it comes to candidates."

But a deep bench could lead to a bitter fight for playing time now that the opportunity exists.

"The party and I are going to have to try to not have a bitter primary because it was that bitter primary that caused us to have Susan Montee become the auditor," Jackson said.

Sloca said his party isn't worried about that being a problem in either race.

No matter the message, a contentious primary will have a notable effect on the general election. Which specific effect will only come into focus during the next few weeks and months.

Democratic State Representative Sam Page has been in the race for lieutenant governor for a while at this point. Jay Nixon has been the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor for some time as well.