The war over control of the United States Senate has swept into Missouri. With less than one week before the general election and the candidates swapping leads in the polls, the outcome is unclear.
Jean Carnahan, who seemed by many to be distant from the election just a month ago, has been pursuing her opponent Jim Talent in a series of television ads. Nevertheless, Talent has remained constant with a steady flow of television and radio ads. However, their effect at this point seems debatable.
“The impact of TV ads is questionable,” said Ken Warren, professor in political science at Saint Louis University. “Too many can be cost ineffective.”
In recent debates, Talent has come off as a savvy politician, whereas Carnahan’s appeared to be less articulate. The debates covered a variety of topics ranging from the economy to health care to Iraq.
One highlight was when Talent questioned Carnahan’s patriotism due to her voting against a Homeland Security bill. The incumbent lashed out at Talent, waving her finger proclaiming, “Don’t you question my patriotism!”
However, as far as catching new support, the debates were also seen as a moot point.
“People who watch tend to be partisans and political junkies,” Warren said. “They already tend to have their minds made up.”
Tuesday, the candidates stalled their campaigns for separate but similar reasons. Talent’s father, Milton Talent, died early Sunday. He will be attempting to balance coping with the loss and campaigning.
However, Carnahan spent much of Tuesday in Minnesota, paying her respects to the late Senator Paul Wellstone, who died with his wife and daughter in a plane crash approximately a week ago.
Today, Talent is expected to speak with Vice President Dick Cheney in Cape Girardeau. Earlier in the week he attended a fund-raiser with former President George Bush in Springfield, Mo.
Later tomorrow, AFL-CIO president John Sweeney is scheduled to lead a rally to support the incumbent.
This week, both candidates have been receiving national attention with segments on NBC News and national newspapers. In the latest issue of The New York Times Magazine, Carnahan received a four-page spread outlining her campaign and the problems she has faced.
Although it is unclear who will win the election, a release of the newest Zogby Poll later in the week will give the candidates and followers an indication as to where they stand.
