JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt is filling his schedule with events around Missouri this week rather than attending the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Blunt planned a Joplin event Monday to highlight his efforts to fund year-round federal grants for college students. On Tuesday, he is to be in Kansas City and Kirksville to discuss opioid drug abuse.
Blunt faces re-election this year, and a campaign spokesman says Blunt plans to remain in Missouri all week.

The Republican National Convention began Monday and is expected to culminate Thursday with Donald Trump accepting the party’s presidential nomination.

Blunt said previously that he will support whoever is the Republican nominee, including Trump.

The only other Missouri Republican Congress members not attending the convention are Vicky Hartzler and Blaine Luetkemeyer.