Sarah Steelman (CAMPAIGN PHOTO)

— Hoping to show growing support for her U.S. Senate campaign, Republican hopeful Sarah Steelman announced support from nearly half of the Republican caucus in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Steelman, who is trying to solidify her credentials a “the best candidate to defeat” Sen. Claire McCaskill, announced endorsements from 47 Republican state Representatives from all across the state.

“These Representatives understand the disconnect that Washington has with Missouri values,” said Steelman. “Not only is this a group of State Representatives, it is a group of mothers, fathers, doctors, small business owners, farmers and ranchers who recognize that the best government is a limited government closer to the people.”

The list includes St. Louis Rep. Mike Leara, Jefferson City Rep. Jay Barnes, Springfield Rep. Eric Burlison, and Warrnensburg Rep. Denny Hoskins, among several others.

The endorsements come more than a week after Steelman was endorsed by the Tea Party Express. Local Tea Party groups criticized the endorsement as astroturfing from a national group and questioned Steelman’s support from Missouri conservatives. The Steelman campaign hopes that endorsements from local legislators, many of whom are active in local Tea Party groups, could help seal the deal with weary conservatives, as Steelman competes with U.S. Rep. Todd Akin and St. Louis businessman John Brunner for the Republican nomination.

Earlier this year, nine members of the state House endorsed Akin, and a handful of members have endorsed Brunner.