It came as no surprise Tuesday when Attorney General Josh Hawley announced he will run for the U.S. Senate on the Republican ticket in 2018. If successful, he will face Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, in the general election next year. McCaskill is not expected to have any trouble winning the Democrat primary election.

Hawley has been thinking about running for the U.S. Senate for some months. He is 37 years old and when elected last year to the office of attorney general it was the first political office he has ever held. Sen. McCaskill is completing her second term as a U.S. senator.

When it comes to experience in government, there is no comparison. Sen. McCaskill is a seasoned office holder in state and federal governments, and has a reputation as being a fighter for issues affecting Missourians. She is not a member of the far left of her party. She has been moving more to the center. On some issues though she still is in the liberal camp.  

Hawley’s being supported by many members of the establishment wing of the Republican Party. He previously was an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Law.

The Republicans had some good candidates who ran for governor last year, but were defeated by newcomer Eric Greitens. None of them has come forward to seek the Senate seat. The entry of Hawley in the race indicates how shallow the party is in experienced leadership in the state. Many members of the GOP in the state really don’t know him.

Both McCaskill and Hawley will enjoy well-financed campaigns.