On January 22, 2008, Governor Blunt unexpectedly announced that he would not seek re-election because he had already "achieved virtually everything I set out to accomplish, and more ... Because I feel we have changed what I wanted to change in the first term, there is not the same sense of mission for a second." A November 2007 poll conducted by
SurveyUSA showed Blunt with a 44% approval rating. His approval among Republicans polled was 68%, and his rating among Democrats was 23%. The gubernatorial and other statewide office primaries were held August 5, 2008.
CQ Politics rated the race as 'Leans Democratic'.
Timeline • March 25, 2008 – Filing deadline for Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians • August 5, 2008 – Primary (gubernatorial and other statewide office) elections • August 19, 2008 – Filing deadline for other third parties and Independents • November 4, 2008 – General election. ==Primaries==