JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Sen. Kit Bond says he won't seek re-election in 2010.
Bond, a Republican, made the announcement Thursday morning at the state Capitol, shortly after Missouri lawmakers convened. 

The 69-year-old Bond was first was elected to the Senate in 1986 -- the only Republican to capture a seat previously held by a Democrat that year. Missouri voters have re-elected him three times since. 

As recently as a few months ago, Bond had told crowds that he would be seeking re-election to a fifth Senate term. Also, Bond's chief of staff had moved home to Missouri from Washington, a move seen by Republicans and other observers as a strong sign Bond was laying the groundwork for another campaign.