McCaskill To Challenge Talent in Missouri

Missouri State Auditor Claire McCaskill announced her candidacy for the U.S Senate seat currently held by incumbent Republican, James Talent. She is currently the only Democrat seeking the party's nomination.

OurSenate, a democratic blog focused on gaining a Democratic majority in the Senate, has labeled the Missouri race [necessary to winning the Senate majority]. Missouri, like several other states in the region, has an unpopular Republican governor and has given President Bush low approval ratings in recent polls. Moreover, polls show Talent in a virtual dead heat in a hypothetical race against McCaskill. Nevertheless, Talent has the natural advantage. Not only is he an incumbent, but Missouri has become increasingly red in recent congressional elections.