Senator Kit Bond of Missouri has announced today that he will not seek a 5th term in the Senate in 2010. This is yet another setback for Congressional Republicans, as Bond likely would have won, however removing the incumbent factor makes things a complete toss-up.

Bond has a mixed legacy as Missouri Senator. He has been known for pork-barrel earmarks, but he has also worked diligently to ensure jobs stay in Missouri. He has a big influence on foreign affairs as sometime chairman, currently vice chairman, of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He is also well-known for his work on agricultural issues, and he has always been an advocate for small businesses. Recently, he was the primary Republican proponent of the auto industry bail-out. Missouri will miss having someone with his level of influence and expertise in the halls of power. He also was a two-time Missouri governor, and has been in public service for over forty years.

Here is a concise time-line of his career and some of his achievements.