Claire McCaskill Rally,
Joplin Democratic Headquarters,
Nov. 1st 2006.
Joplin is in the heart of the Republican stronghold in Missouri, in Jasper County. Jasper County (population 110,624) went for Bush in 2004 by 71%.
A brief report from a local paper:A crowd estimated at approximately 250 people stood shoulder-to-shoulder and waited about an hour for McCaskill to arrive. They applauded frequently when she said she, if elected, would work for tax policies that would be fair for the middle class, increased veterans’ benefits and changing course in Iraq.
She thanked local workers making telephone calls and canvassing neighborhoods, and noted her Republican opponent, incumbent Sen. Jim Talent, is bringing in campaign help from Washington, noting Missouri appearances for Talent by Vice President Dick Cheney, Senate majority leader Bill Frist and plans for a visit by President Bush later this week.
“I have my mom and my sisters, and you," she said. "Their campaign is about Washington, and ours is about Missouri.”
http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_305210643.htmlMost recent polls:Registered Voters
Claire McCaskill (D) 51%
Jim Talent (R) 43%
Likely Voters
Claire McCaskill (D) 49%
Jim Talent (R) 49%
http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2006/images/10/31/TOPSTATE.pdfhttp://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/10/31/poll.state.races/index.htmlMcCaskill 47%, Talent 46%
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/October%202006/MissouriSenate1030.htm