Stakes are high for Missouri’s Senate seat U.S. Senate
2006-11-01
Source: Kansas City Star
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rss feedIt's turning out the way that most people predicted.
The race for Missouri's U.S. seat between Republican incumbent Jim Talent and Democrat Claire McCaskill is as close as close can be.
For months, polls have shown the race to be a dead heat. It has commanded local and national attention because both parties covet the seat, which Talent won in 2002.
The stakes are high because Republicans have been losing political ground for months. President Bush's declining popularity, growing public dissatisfaction with the Iraq war and a spate of scandals - from political corruption to sex with minors - have buffeted the party.
Polls and analysts predict a Democratic wave could be in the making, but Talent senior adviser Lloyd Smith said it may not be too high in Missouri. "The base seems to be coming home," he said. "The key now will be to make sure they're energized and will turn out."
Missouri, Virginia and Tennessee have become the GOP's firewall. It must win at least two of those three Senate races to remain in control.
Both Talent and McCaskill have trumpeted their accomplishments. Talent has talked about his bills to crack down on the illegal meth trade and rein in predatory lending businesses that prey on members of the military.
McCaskill has talked about her record as state auditor and how she has transformed the office into a watchdog over state government.
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