The race for U.S. Senate will make a stop in Dexter this week when Sarah Steelman brings her campaign to town for an early-morning gathering.

Steelman will meet with supporters at 7 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Airport Cafe.

Steelman, of Rolla, is in a three-way race for the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill in the 2012 general election. Her Republican opponents are U.S. Rep. Todd Akin and Germ-X manufacturer chairman John Brunner, both from St. Louis.

Businessman Brunner entered the U.S. Senate race earlier this month and is still acquiring his political legs. Akin was the guest speaker at the Stoddard County Republican Club meeting in Dexter last month, and has been busy travelling to festivals and events throughout the state.

After Brunner’s entry into the senate race, Steelman challenged both opponents to debate throughout the state. To date, neither opponent has accepted Steelman’s challenge.

Steelman is a lifelong Missourian and lives in Rolla with her husband David and their youngest son, Michael, a high school sophomore. Their oldest son, Sam, is a recent graduate from Drury University and is currently living and working in Springfield.

Steelman grew up in Jefferson City and is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Masters in Economics and a bachelor’s degree in History.

Steelman served as Missouri State Treasurer from 2004 until 2008. Prior to her serving as treasurer, she was elected to the state senate from the 16 District.

Photo Above: U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman at the 2011 Stoddard County Lincoln Day banquet in Dexter. (SMT file photo by Annabeth Miller)