Pigs In A Blanket

We've got a big race in Missouri for a U.S. Senate seat. It's one of only a handful of senate races that is considered a toss up. The two cats running are sure to have a tight race.

Incumbent Republican Jim Talent won a close one six years back. He's being challenged by Democratic candidate Claire McCaskill. Most political insiders believe she's a formidable opponent. Here's a link to election analysis according to The New York Times. Click here for the Missouri details. It might require registration.

McCaskill currently is Missouri's State Auditor and did not step down from this position when she ran in 2004 for Missouri's governor. One of her only, maybe it is her only, election losses. She announced in August 2005 that she would oppose Jim Talent. Both Talent and McCaskill easily defeated their opponents in their respective primaries on Aug. 8, 2006. Polls consistently show the two running within a few percentage points of each other. The race is predicted to be one of the most closely watched in the nation in 2006.

(Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt talked to Justin Hoback about his grand champion ham while Missouri State Fair Queen Tyne Morgan smiled during the annual ham breakfast at the state fair in Sedalia, Mo.)

These two senate candidates, along with Missouri's Gov. Matt Blunt and other state officials, attended the Governor's Ham Breakfast. The annual event took place a few weeks ago at the Missouri State Fair. Because of the anticipated close senate race, a few national news outlets were at the breakfast following Talent and McCaskill. It added a certain element of excitement in addition to the ham eating. I hope neither kissed a pig for the camera.

This Cowboy had an opportunity to attend the breakfast and even had brief encounters with both of the candidates. One sat in my chair when I stepped away just for a moment, while the other stopped and posed for a photo opportunity. It's had to pass up a chance to mug with a Cowboy, I'm sure of it.

McCaskill and Talent have agreed to an Oct. 8 debate on NBC's "Meet the Press." More details about each of the candidates are available on their websites:
talentforsenate.com claireonline.com

It used to be said that as "Missouri goes, so does the nation." Not certain it is as true as it used to be. However, the state is one of the most equally balanced with urban/suburban, rural/city population, income, racial, education and many other "measures." The outcome of the election will be interesting.