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Ed Martin. (Photo/MOGOP)

– St. Louis attorney Ed Martin, R., announced Thursday morning he will drop his congressional bid and launch a statewide campaign for Attorney General against incumbent Democrat Chris Koster.

In his announcement, Martin blasted Koster for his position on the Affordable Care Act. Koster filed a brief in a Florida lawsuit against the law opposing the individual mandate, but has not opposed efforts in Missouri to implement state level exchanges.

Martin is dropping his bid for congress against Ann Wagner, who has reported overwhelming fundraising numbers. Last year, Martin dropped a bid for U.S. Senate, and considered a run for Governor.

He announced a list of endorsements, including Sen. Roy Blunt, House Speaker Steven Tilley, and former Speaker Catherine Hannaway, who leads Wagner’s campaign.

** UPDATE ** Missouri Democrats weighed in Thursday morning, criticizing Martin for switching races.

“This most recent announcement makes five offices in the past two years that Ed has actively sought,” said Caitlin Legacki, Missouri Democratic Party spokeswoman. “We welcome Ed to the race for how ever long he decides to stay.”