The political attention in Missouri at this time is centered on who will challenge Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill in the race for the U.S. Senate next year.Republicans believe that Sen. McCaskill is vulnerable. We doubt if a serious candidate will challenge Sen. McCaskill in the Democratic primary election.The Republicans who are being mentioned as likely candidates in the Republican primary election include Attorney General Josh Hawley, who is serving his first term in office; Eric Schmitt, also in his first term as state treasurer; State Rep. Paul Curtman from Franklin County; and Ed Martin, a former Republican state official who worked for the late Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum, a conservative group. Two other candidates who announced they will file are Tony Monetti, a retired Air Force pilot who is assistant dean at the University of Central Missouri at Warrensburg, and Austin Petersen, Kansas City, who ran for president on the Libertarian Party ticket.Rep. Ann Wagner, Ballwin, has been successful in raising campaign money and many political observers believed she was going to run. But she announced she will not challenge McCaskill. This past Monday, U.S. Rep. Vicki Hartzler said she was not going to run. She had been mentioned as a possible candidate.Hawley, who taught law at the University of Missouri, has received support from some of the top Republicans in the state. There have been reports that he may not run. Schmitt would be a darkhorse in the race if he decides to run. Whether he will be able to raise the necessary campaign funds is a question. Curtman is as conservative as they come, which matches his zeal in political ambitions. Curtman has formed an exploratory committee, which will allow him to start raising money. Martin always has been a controversial figure and he will have trouble getting support from his own party.Sen. McCaskill has been very successful in raising campaign money. She has raised more than $5 million so far for her re-election bid. She also is well known throughout the state. She has a reputation as being a fighter and has a strong work ethic in government. She’s a moderate Democrat but still is out of step with many Missourians.