| Monday, November 06, 2006 |
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Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the volunteers and supporters who joined us for the final four Talent for Senate rallies of the campaign!
We had a big crowd in St. Louis, a big crowd in Columbia, a big crowd in Kansas City and a big crowd in Springfield capping an 11-city sprint to the finish line.
Senator Talent, his wife, Brenda, and their 14-year-old daughter Kate were on the campaign trail today. Jim encouraged his hard-working volunteers to spend the final hours of the campaign doing everything possible to get the vote out so we can all celebrate a great victory.
Thank you again for everything you are doing to re-elect a Senator who will stand up for the common sense, conservative values of Missouri.
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| Sunday, November 05, 2006 |
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"I'm glad that Saddam Hussein will pay for his crimes and I'm pleased the Iraqi people have taken this important step on the road toward free democracy," said Senator Talent, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
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It was another great day on the campaign trail as Jim Talent met with hundreds of supporters in Poplar Bluff, Cape Girardeau and Rolla.
Senator Talent thanked his supporters and volunteers for everything they are doing to get out the vote on Tuesday. He encouraged everyone to talk to their family, friends and neighbors about the importance of this Election and what it means for the future of Missouri.
Senator Talent wants to make the tax cuts permanent - all of them. He wants to address the rising cost of health insurance by allowing small businesses to join together through their trade associations to provide quality, affordable health care for themselves and their employees. And he wants to continue keeping America safe by supporting policies of strength in the War on Terror.
Claire McCaskill is on the other side of each of these issues. She supports higher taxes, opposes Small Business Health Plans and supports policies of weakness in the War on Terror including her opposition to the Terrorist Surveillance Program.
We can keep taxes low, reduce the cost of health care and protect our nation's security by sending Jim Talent back to the United States Senate on Tuesday!
Senator Talent's 11-city tour will continue tomorrow as we sprint towards the finishing line.
In the meantime, remember that your vote could make the difference in this Election. There's still time to become a member of our get-out-the-vote team. Sign up today to make a difference!
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| Saturday, November 04, 2006 |
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Senator Talent is sprinting towards the finish line! Today he launched a statewide tour with get-out-the-vote rallies in Jefferson City, St. Joseph, Kirksville and Hannibal.
Each event had three things in common: Big crowds, big enthusiasm and big momentum.
Joined by his wife Brenda and youngest daughter, Chrissy, Senator Talent stressed his bipartisan accomplishments for Missouri and his belief in the common sense, conservative values of the heartland.
Senator Kit Bond introduced Senator Talent at the events outlining how important it is to work hard for Jim Talent over the next three days so he can continue working hard for Missouri in the United States Senate for the next six years.
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| Thursday, November 02, 2006 |
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Senator Talent had an outstanding campaign swing today with three very special guests: Rudy Giuliani, Charlie Kruse and Ken Mehlman.
 We started the day in Independence with a rally at our headquarters headlined by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Mr. Giuliani praised Sen. Talent's leadership in supporting positions of strength in the War on Terror, including terrorist surveillance, which Claire McCaskill opposes.
The Mayor also talked about the importance of Senator Talent's bipartisan Combat Meth Act which is helping law enforcement fight methamphetamine in every community.
Next we traveled to Excelsior Springs and Fulton for Farm and Ranch Rallies with Missouri Farm Bureau President Charlie Kruse.
Charlie discussed the reasons why the Missouri Farm Bureau endorsed Jim Talent. He also talked about the important partnership that Senators Talent and Bond have in the Senate, cautioning farmers that Claire McCaskill would vote more with Ted Kennedy than Senator Bond.
Senator Talent then met up with RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman at our Columbia headquarters where volunteers were busy working the phones and getting out the vote!
Mehlman told supporters that one thing is certain: Claire McCaskill wants to raise your taxes.
Our final stop of the day was in Jefferson City where Senator Talent joined Missouri Farm Bureau members for a delicious chili supper. Farmers and Ranchers for Talent are highly energized and ready to get out the vote for Senator Talent!
Tonight, Senator Talent traveled to Springfield where he will join more than 11,000 supporters in Southwest Missouri for Talent for Senate rallies with President Bush!
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 We had a great event tonight with our very special guest Tony Snow. About 300 supporters joined us for the Talent for Senate reception.
Tony talked about how we need to keep leaders like Jim Talent in the Senate to support tax relief for Missourians and protect our nation’s security. He also stressed the importance of getting out the vote on November 7.
Senator Talent spent the day campaigning in Southeast Missouri with get-out-the-vote rallies in Farmington, Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Dexter and Poplar Bluff. The crowds were large and the enthusiasm high as we head into the final week of the campaign.
It’s not too late to join in all of the excitement at Talent for Senate. Sign up today to help us get out the vote next Tuesday!
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| Saturday, October 28, 2006 |
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 Even though we've been busy on the campaign trail recently, it's impossible to ignore the energy and excitement of our Saint Louis Cardinals winning the 2006 World Series! We here at Talent for Senate wanted to extend our congratulations to the Cardinals and their fans for a wonderful season. Thanks for all of the memories!
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 With ten days to go before Election Day, Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy is asking Missourians to send his “friend Claire McCaskill to Washington.” The radical Massachusetts senator this week was quoted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch giving his strong endorsement to the State Auditor.
Ted Kennedy’s support for McCaskill goes beyond friendship. He understands that if Missourians send his liberal friend to the U.S. Senate, his party could regain control of key Committees like the Senate Judiciary Committee on which Kennedy serves. In fact, if enough of Kennedy’s friends are elected to the Senate, he would be in line to chair the Immigration Subcommittee. Kennedy, like McCaskill, favors amnesty for unlawful immigrants. By the way, if you haven’t read McCaskill’s amnesty plan to give “priority for legalization” to immigrants living in the U.S. unlawfully, you can read about it in the Columbia Daily Tribune.
Amnesty isn’t the only issue McCaskill and Kennedy have in common. They agree 100 percent of the time on the following issues:
- McCaskill and Kennedy oppose making the tax cuts permanent.
- McCaskill and Kennedy oppose the Energy bill which included Senator Talent’s legislation requiring the oil companies to buy ethanol and biodiesel.
- McCaskill and Kennedy opposed the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.
- McCaskill and Kennedy oppose amendments to protect traditional marriage.
- McCaskill and Kennedy oppose the Terrorist Surveillance Program.
- McCaskill and Kennedy opposed the Medicare prescription drug benefit for seniors.
- McCaskill and Kennedy oppose exploring for oil in the ANWR and the Gulf of Mexico.
- McCaskill and Kennedy oppose the ban on partial birth abortion.
- McCaskill and Kennedy oppose Small Business Health Plans.
If you believe Ted Kennedy has enough friends in Washington, click here to join our 72-hour program and recruit your friends in Missouri to help keep Ted Kennedy’s friend out of Washington.
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| Thursday, October 26, 2006 |
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Claire McCaskill is trying to buy this election by using her family's nursing home fortune to fund her campaign. The media reported today that McCaskill loaned her campaign a half-million dollars using the St. Louis mansion built by her wealthy husband as collateral. The loan was detailed in McCaskill's latest filing with the Federal Election Commission.
McCaskill had previously told the media she wouldn't use her family's fortune to pay for the Senate race. But just as she broke her promise to stop payments to nursing homes that allow elderly abuse, McCaskill has broken yet another campaign promise by using her family's wealth to further her political career.
McCaskill's campaign is looking at the same numbers we are and they are desperate because they know they are behind. They realize that the only way they have a chance of winning is to buy the election with the McCaskill fortune.
Now more than ever we need your help. Jim and Brenda Talent don't have the personal resources to dump as much as $30 million dollars into a campaign, but they do have committed friends like you who can give $10, $25 or $100.
Please consider immediately making a secure online donation to Jim's campaign so we can communicate directly with Missouri voters and compete with McCaskill's millions.
Sincerely,
Lloyd Smith
Senior Advisor, Talent for Senate
P.S. Claire McCaskill has dumped a half-million dollars of her nursing home fortune into her failing campaign. This is a desperate move by a desperate campaign. We need your help so we can fight her personal nursing home millions. Please consider making a donation to Sen. Talent's campaign today!
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The Jefferson City News-Tribune has endorsed Jim Talent for U.S. Senate.
In an overwhelming endorsement, the newspaper wrote: "we need experienced, sensible members of Congress who will help defend and guide our country" and Senator Talent offers "that experience and common sense."
The News-Tribune said Senator Talent has served Missouri "with honor and distinction." They also praised Senator Talent’s support for increased defense spending to protect our troops, his bipartisan military health care legislation, his bipartisan Combat Meth Act, his commitment to agriculture and his important anti-methamphetamine legislation. They also commended his willingness to reach across the aisle.
Click here to read the full endorsement.
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More than 200 African-Americans joined Jim Talent for a reception tonight in Kansas City to support his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Senator Talent was joined by the Honorable Alphonso Jackson who serves as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Senator Talent told the standing-room only crowd about how when the people sent him to Washington it was in his heart to be a champion for African American causes. He discussed how the ideas for his legislation have come from the African-American community. Ideas like the one he got from Alvin Sykes, president of the Emmett Till Justice Campaign in Kansas City, who told him about the need for a bill to help investigate unsolved Civil Rights-era murders.
Senator Talent discussed his accomplishments for the African-American community and the things he’d like to continue working on in the Senate if the people send him back. That agenda includes the Second Chance Act which would help ex-offenders access the socio-economic mainstream following their release, and the Emmett Till bill which he has sponsored to create two new offices in the Justice Department to solve cold case murders from the Civil Rights-era.
The African-Americans for Talent Coalition will continue working hard over the next 14 days to send Senator Talent back to the Senate.
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A federal judge this week said it was okay for our supporters in Kansas City to display signs of any size in support of Senator Talent.
You might recall that the Ishmael family in Kansas City was tired of McCaskill supporters stealing and vandalizing their signs, so they took matters into their own hands by displaying their own hand-made sign. Soon after,  the city fined the family for displaying a sign they said was too large.
The family fought back. And on Wednesday they won a federal court case that allowed them to put the sign back in their front yard.
The Talent for Senate family would like to thank the Ishmael family for their strong support and tenacity.
KMBC-TV in Kansas City has the full story. Click here to read more about the Ishmael’s court battle to show support for Senator Talent.
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| Thursday, October 19, 2006 |
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Last night's Kansas City debate will be broadcast on KMBC Channel 9 at 7 p.m. CST. You can also catch the debate tonight on C-Span at 8 p.m. CST.
On Friday, KETC Channel 9 in St. Louis, will broadcast the debate starting at 9 p.m. CST.
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We were honored last night to have First Lady Laura Bush join Senator Talent for a ceremony lighting the "Gateway to the West" in pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Sen. Talent passed legislation in 2004 allowing the Arch to be lit in pink lights for one night in October to help raise breast cancer awareness. Throughout his years in public life Sen. Talent has championed measures to defeat breast cancer which took the life of his mother, Marie Talent, in 1988.
“This is the 21st year that October has been Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is the third year in a row we have been able to light the Arch pink, but it is the first year that we’ve had the First Lady with us to do it,” Senator Talent said at the event.
“You know what this evening and this month is about. It is about awareness. Awareness, yes, of the danger of this disease which will afflict many women and touch many families. But it is about hope, it is about victory, it is about the victory that comes with awareness and testing and early detection.”
The American Cancer Society estimates that a woman in the United States has a 1 in 8 chance of developing invasive breast cancer. Nearly 212,920 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer in 2006. Researchers have estimated that approximately 2 million women in the U.S. are living with the disease and have been treated for breast cancer.
To watch a video of the event, please visit KMOV's Website.
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| Wednesday, October 11, 2006 |
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Interested in watching tonight’s debate in St. Louis? You can watch it live on News Channel 5 in St. Louis or watch it online at ksdk.com. The debate begins at 8:00 p.m.
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After a successful debate on “Meet the Press,” I caught the first flight back to Missouri to attend a BBQ in Mexico with my good friend Kit Bond. We were given a warm welcome by more than 250 supporters who came together to prepare for our Get Out The Vote effort. It was an overwhelming turnout. Our supporters are energized and ready to work hard these next 29 days.
It’s not too late to sign up to volunteer. I sure would appreciate it and it will make the difference in the campaign. Click here to join the Talent team.
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Tony Messenger, the Editorial Board Editor for the Springfield News-Leader, today said Senator Talent was the winner in Sunday morning’s debate on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Messenger wrote: “But there must be winners and losers in politics, and, so, if forced to decide on the winner of the debate, I'd say Talent. Why? I don't think McCaskill effectively countered his “position of weakness” argument concerning her views on the war in Iraq.”
Mr. Messenger was referring to Senator Talent’s point that McCaskill has “positions in the War on Terror that are comprehensively positions of weakness.”
Senator Talent stated: “[McCaskill] opposes a terrorist surveillance policy that goes back to the Carter administration; she supported the Hamdan decision, which put a stop, at least temporarily, to our interrogation of captured terrorists abroad. And we had CIA agents buying liability insurance policy because they were afraid of being sued. She supports the release of classified information by The New York Times. She said, “Well, it’s OK because the terrorists knew about it anyway.” Well, I mean, you can’t do that with classified information. And she supports an artificial withdrawal, withdrawal date from Iraq, which is like sending notice to the terrorists that we’re going to quit. I mean, weakness is something we cannot show in dealing with the terrorists. It invites attacks, it encourages them to be even more relentless in coming after us.”
When McCaskill attempted to change her position against the terrorist surveillance program, by saying she supports it, “Meet the Press” host Tim Russert shot back: “But you came out against the president’s eavesdropping program.”
This debate demonstrated once again that Senator Talent is the only candidate for U.S. Senate who supports the terrorist surveillance program and that Claire McCaskill has taken positions in the War on Terror that are comprehensively positions of weakness.
Click here to read Tony Messenger’s blog.
Click here to read the transcript of the debate.
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| Saturday, October 07, 2006 |
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Sylvester Brown, the African-American columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, wrote that Claire McCaskill would offer little new for black voters in Missouri. Click here to read the full article.
Last month, Brown wrote a column about how African-American Democrats were upset with Claire McCaskill and are supporting Jim Talent for U.S. Senate. Now, after sitting down with McCaskill himself, Brown has expressed his doubt that McCaskill has anything new to offer the African American community.
To learn more about what Senator Talent has accomplished for African Americans in Missouri, click here.
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Our country has lost an American treasure with the passing of Buck O’Neil. Senator Talent issued the following statement on the death of Negro Leagues Baseball Legend John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil:
“I will always cherish the opportunities I had to visit with Buck O'Neil. He was a great and loving man with a heart as big as Kansas City. He belongs in America’s Hall of Fame for his contributions on and off the field as a ballplayer, veteran, community leader and role model. He will be missed, but never forgotten. His legacy as the Ambassador of the Negro Leagues will continue forever at America’s National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum – a gift he left for us all.”
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| Wednesday, October 04, 2006 |
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As Election Day draws near, yards signs and bumper strips are flying out the door.
Senator Talent supporters are coming out in droves to pick up yard signs to proudly display in their yard – it's been exciting fulfilling all of the requests. Today, one of our volunteers picked up signs to hand distribute to her church group.
If you or someone you know would like a yard sign or bumper strip, please click here or drop by one of our campaign offices.
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Senator Talent and his wife, Brenda, spent Saturday campaigning in Southeast Missouri, where they participated in events in Sikeston, Caruthersville, Cape Girardeau and Kennett. 
Since the Senate was in session until the wee hours of the night on Friday, Brenda did some pinch-hitting for her husband, starting the day at the American Legion’s Annual Breakfast during the Cotton Carnival Festival in Sikeston. Following the breakfast, Brenda met up with Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson to walk the 62nd Annual American Legion Cotton Carnival Parade. As they walked the parade route, Talent and Emerson supporters waved signs and cheered – it was definitely an energized welcome from Southeast Missouri! 
Following the parade, Brenda attended the Scott County Republican BBQ, where Mrs. Talent and Congresswoman Emerson were joined by 150 supporters and local candidates all enjoying the hotdogs and hamburgers.
Senator Talent arrived in Caruthersville after catching the first flight he could out of D.C. to attend the events in the Bootheel. Congre  sswoman Emerson joined him for an African Americans for Talent reception.
With more than 50 supporters in attendance, Senator Talent and Congresswoman Emerson were given a warm welcome and they discussed the stark contrast between Senator Talent and his opponent. Not only has Senator Talent been a champion for the African American community, but he is also on the right side of important issues, such as supporting traditional marriage, fighting terrorism, lowering taxes and improving access to health care for small business people and their workers.
Senator Talent finished the day at the Dunklin County Fairgrounds in Kennett where he visited with the fairgoers and had his first Tyrone burger.
All in all it was an exciting weekend. But now that the Senate is adjourned Senator Talent is ready to hit the campaign trail running in October. Please check back often for more stories from the road!
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| Friday, September 29, 2006 |
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Claire McCaskill has been airing a series of television ads she calls “Real Missouri Voices.” Maybe you’ve seen them. Members of the media sure have.
The Kansas City Star has so far examined two of the ads concluding they “mislead” and are “not fair or accurate.”
Below are excerpts from the Kansas City Star ad checks:
“The ads mislead when they link Talent's votes to recent reductions in Medicaid eligibility in Missouri.”
“It is not fair or accurate to imply, as the commercials do, that Talent’s votes caused the reduction in eligibility for an estimated 90,000 Medicaid patients in Missouri.”
The truth is Medicaid funding has increased by more than $44 billion since Jim Talent was elected to the United States Senate, a 30 percent increase. In fact, in 2003, Senator Talent was the deciding vote to provide Missouri with nearly $400 million for Medicaid. McCaskill opposed this legislation because it reduced taxes for Missourians.
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| Thursday, September 28, 2006 |
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 We've had some extra-special volunteers at our headquarters recently and we wanted to say thank you to these "Kids for Talent!" You're the best -- thanks for your dedication and hard work.
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| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 |
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More than 300 women gathered today in support of Senator Talent for our "Women for Talent" luncheon with Jim’s wife Brenda and our special guest Mary Matalin.
As Mary took the podium, she emphasized what a clear choice Missourians face this November, and how important it is to send Senator Talent back to Washington, D.C.
Mary continued by highlighting Senator Talent's effectiveness in fighting for our veterans, supporting terrorist surveillance, passing the Energy Bill for ethanol and biodiesel and protecting our kids and communities from methamphetamine with the toughest anti-meth legislation ever passed into law.
She added that we, as supporters can't become complacent and we need to continue working on the ground to get out the vote for Senator Talent so he can continue fighting for Missouri’s common sense, conservative values.
The women who attended the event received a bright pink “Women for Talent” bumper strip. Many of our guests immediately put them on their cars as they exited our event.
For more information about joining Women for Talent, please contact our headquarters or click here to join the coalition online.
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| Tuesday, September 26, 2006 |
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"Women for Talent" is hosting Mary Matalin in St. Louis County tomorrow for a special luncheon event. We are looking forward to giving her a warm Missouri welcome.
Check back tomorrow for pictures and a recap of the event.
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| Saturday, September 23, 2006 |
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The Kansas City Star today published a profile on our campaign's Senior Advisor, Lloyd Smith.
Click here to read the story.
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| Thursday, September 21, 2006 |
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Senator Talent today was honored by the Association for Service-Disabled Veterans (ASDV) with their "2006 Patriot Legislator" award for his steadfast leadership for America’s veterans.
The award is given each year to Members of Congress who have worked on behalf of veterans who have been injured while serving their country.
This is another example of the dedication Senator Talent has demonstrated to the men and women who served our country in uniform. It is so important to ensure members of our military, who risk life and limb to protect our freedom, have the benefits they deserve. Senator Talent believes these are commitments of honor that must be kept.
For more information about the Association for Service-Disabled Veterans, please visit http://asdv.org
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| Wednesday, September 20, 2006 |
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 Senator Talent was interviewed yesterday by Redstate, the popular conservative blog. RedState deemed the interview “the best we’ve done.”
In the podcast, Senator Talent discusses his record of standing up for the common sense, conservative values of Missouri and the stark contrast between himself and Claire McCaskill on a host of issues including national security and terrorist surveillance.
You can listen to the podcast here or download it via iTunes.
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| Tuesday, September 19, 2006 |
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As Claire McCaskill gets more desperate, her attacks are getting more personal. Whether it’s saying the President let people die on rooftops in New Orleans because they were poor and black, or calling members of the Missouri State Senate “Neanderthals,” McCaskill’s words show that she is not fit to serve in the United States Senate.
Now the Jefferson City News-Tribune reports that McCaskill called Senator Talent a “false patriot.” I couldn’t believe she would say this until I saw it in print. Claire McCaskill should apologize immediately for her egregious personal attack on Senator Talent.
Senator Talent works hard everyday in the Senate to ensure the safety of our nation and all Missourians. McCaskill should recognize her mistake, apologize, and withdraw this flagrant remark.
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| Monday, September 18, 2006 |
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Today, the St. Louis Police Officers’ Association, which represents over 1,200 police officers in the area, announced their endorsement of Senator Talent.
The St. Louis Police Officers’ Association said, “Jim Talent is the best person running for the United States Senate. By writing and passing the toughest anti-meth law of its kind, Jim Talent has reaffirmed his commitment to law enforcement officers everywhere. His legislation will help protect our neighborhoods and kids from the scourge of methamphetamine.”
Sen. Talent said he was honored by the endorsement and would continue working hard for Missouri law enforcement.
The Senate is back in session tomorrow, so Senator Talent will be in Washington, DC representing Missouri’s common sense, conservative values.
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| Sunday, September 17, 2006 |
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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and KY3-TV have validated Fact Checks issued by the Talent campaign following yesterday’s debate in Lake Ozark.
The Talent campaign’s Fact Checks included information on Claire McCaskill’s false statements about Senator Talent’s answer to a question on immigration and her position on the Senator’s predatory lending bill.
Regarding immigration, the Talent campaign highlighted his debate comment – “We need strong employer sanctions backed up by good technology so we know who is in the country lawfully and who isn’t.” – to challenge McCaskill’s charge that he didn’t mention employers in his debate comments.
Shortly after the debate, McCaskill told reporters that she apparently had been wrong, and had not heard Talent’s reference to employers.
McCaskill said, "I was not opposed to the payday bill, I was not opposed to the military payday bill."
"I said if it's good enough for military, why isn't it good for all of us. Why don't we do it across the board? Why don't we limit interest rates on payday lending to everyone in America instead of just military? I think it is great that Sen. Talent did it for the military. I think we should do it for everyone in America," McCaskill said.
But in a KY3 News story I did back in July, the McCaskill campaign told me she was opposed to Sen. Talent plan to stop predatory lenders who prey on our servicemen and women with high interest payday loans.
In fact, I still have my notes from my conversation with McCaskill spokeswoman Adrianne Marsh from July 22nd, when she told me, "She (McCaskill) does not support this bill."
The script from my story on July 22nd reads, "Claire McCaskill says she opposes Talent's plan because the 36 percent rate is still too high.”
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| Saturday, September 16, 2006 |
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 On a beautiful Missouri morning, we started our Saturday at one of Senator Talent’s alma maters, Kirkwood High School, for the annual Greentree Festival parade. Jim Talent was the only candidate for U.S. Senate to attend the parade. We were joined by students and supporters alike to walk the parade route.
Kirkwood welcomed the Senator with applause and cheers. One supporter shouted, “we love you Senator Talent!”
Our hardworking volunteers handed out dozens of bumper stickers, yard signs, lapel stickers, and candy to the kids, which gave us a friendly reminder that Halloween will be here before we know it. It’s campaign season in Missouri and the folks from Kirkwood were very supportive of their Senator!
It was the start of a busy day for the Senator who is headed off to meet with supporters in Southwest Missouri.
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| Tuesday, September 12, 2006 |
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Well, more Talent for Senate signs were stolen in Kansas City.
Again, if you witness anyone taking or defacing a Talent for Senate sign, please contact the authorities immediately with a detailed description of the perpetrator and their license plate numbers.
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| Monday, September 11, 2006 |
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 Senator Talent’s office this morning issued the following statement on the five-year observance of the September 11th attacks:
“It is very important, five years after the attacks of September 11th, to reflect on the loss of so many American lives. We are engaged in a great endeavor to protect freedom-loving people everywhere.
“The Americans who died that day deserve our unflagging efforts to ensure our security now. We must not rest until we win the war against terrorism. As in previous conflicts, our servicemen and women deserve our unwavering support.
“We are taking the fight to the terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq where our men and women are heroically defending this nation. We owe the members of our military and their families our respect and gratitude for their sacrifice and service.
“The defining fact of the past five years is that if terrorism is to be defeated - and it will be defeated - the United States must lead. Success hinges on our perseverance.
“Abraham Lincoln was right more than he knew when he said America is mankind’s last best hope. America is going to lead in this struggle and America is going to prevail. I believe very strongly with all of us pulling together freedom will triumph over darkness and fanaticism and the victims of September 11th will not have died in vain.”
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| Sunday, September 10, 2006 |
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 Campaigns are a lot of work, but they can also be a lot of fun, like this weekend.
On Saturday, we started the morning in Joplin where I met with about 70 volunteers before they fanned out into the community for neighborhood canvasses.
I wanted to knock on a few doors myself. A couple of the volunteers and I got our walk list and campaign brochures and headed out for our precinct. The people were very friendly and I enjoyed visiting with them.
One lady told me her No. 1 issue was securing the border. I told her it was an issue I've been working on in the Senate.
Next we drove over to Dude's Donuts. A personal favorite. I ordered a couple glazed donuts and visited with the workers and customers. The press asked me later to comment on donut shop campaigning. I told them it's fattening but fun.
I met up with State Senator Gary Nodler at the donut shop and we drove over to the Reddings Mill Rural Fire Department to visit with fire fighters. Listening is a very important part of my job and it was good to hear directly from our first responders about how the federal government can continue partnering with them.
Our next stop was Lant's Country Feed Store in Seneca for some one-on-one discussions with the owner and his customers before attending Sarcoxie Days where residents were celebrating their city's 175th birthday. Sarcoxie is Jasper County's oldest town.
After some personal visits, and barbecued chicken in Sarcoxie, we traveled to Springfield for an event with volunteers at our campaign headquarters. More than 80 people were there to make phone calls, get their walk lists for ne  ighborhood canvasses and to pick up yard signs and bumper strips.
I gave the volunteers a campaign update and told them how much I appreciate everything they are doing to help us win in November. I encouraged them to keep working hard over the next two months to help get out the vote.
We left the Springfield headquarters and went into a neighborhood for some more door knocking. I was again pleased by the response.
The Springfield News-Leader reported that I dodged a sprinkler to earn a vote. The sprinkler part is true and I hope I earned its owner's vote.
More impressions soon.
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| Friday, September 08, 2006 |
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Much of the political news today focused on the President’s visit to Kansas City, but Senator Talent held another event in the area to discuss an important coalition in his campaign.
Missouri students launched the Students for Talent coalition at an event at UMKC where dozens of students received a campaign update from the Senator and learned about the many volunteer opportunities available to students around the state.
Senator Talent clearly recognizes the importance of young people getting involved in his campaign and he is not taking the youth vote for granted.
Click here to join the Students for Talent coalition.
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| Wednesday, September 06, 2006 |
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Sen. Talent’s office issued this statement on bringing terrorists to justice:
“I’m very pleased that these terrorists were captured and that we were able to get actionable intelligence from them. Terrorists are a unique and ever-present threat to this country and we can’t treat them like they are civilians in an American criminal court. Information is kept classified because releasing it would imperil American lives and I certainly don’t support giving it to terrorists like Khalid Sheik Mohammed, who would use that information to do us harm. Our primary objective must be to protect America and our national security. We have to make certain our men and women have the ability to get the intelligence we need to fight the war on terror."
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| Wednesday, August 30, 2006 |
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The new school year has only begun, but the grades on McCaskill’s education plan are already starting to come in. This afternoon’s Columbia Daily Tribune opined that McCaskill’s education plan “won’t work” and is “not a winning strategy.” In other words, McCaskill received a failing grade on education.
The editorial also credits Sen. Talent for his support for measuring student progress rather than absolute standards. For example, Sen. Talent believes that if a student enters a grade reading two grade levels behind and comes out reading one grade level behind, we should view that as an improvement, not a failure.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an Educator for Talent, log on to join the coalition!
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 Claire McCaskill has been attacking last year’s Energy bill in her negative ads. What she doesn’t want Missourians to know is that every Farm State Senator – Republican and Democrat – supported the Energy bill because it included the Renewable Fuels Standard for ethanol and biodiesel which Senator Talent added to the legislation.
Senator Talent’s legislation requires the oil companies to buy at least 7.5 billion gallons of ethanol and biodiesel which will help lower the price of gasoline. He also sponsored the biodiesel tax credit extension, the 10-cent-per-gallon small ethanol producer tax credit and the E-85 tax credit for ethanol fueling stations. All were successfully added to the Energy bill.
Claire McCaskill said she would have voted against the Energy bill. Click here to see which senators voted for ethanol and biodiesel, and those who share Claire McCaskill’s position against ethanol and biodiesel.
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 The St. Louis Post-Dispatch this weekend published a profile of Jim’s wife, Brenda.
It’s no secret that Brenda is one of our campaign’s most valuable assets. Whether she’s traveling the state with Sen. Talent, speaking at one of our Women for Talent events or encouraging people to volunteer for the campaign, Brenda is helping us win this election.
The interview for Brenda’s profile took place last month at Chuck Talent’s restaurant in Des Peres. Chuck is Jim’s brother. Sen. Talent often refers to his brother in his speeches about lowering the cost of health care for small business people and their workers. If you ever find yourself at Chuck’s, I recommend the bacon cheeseburger.
The Post-Dispatch also published a profile about Claire McCaskill’s husband Joe Shepard.
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 Meet Landon and Lindon Lacey of Hayti. Landon and Lacey are fraternal twins and perhaps the littlest members of Sen. Talent’s campaign team.
Although Landon and Lindon are not old enough to vote, their mother said that if they could, they would support Jim Talent for U.S. Senate!
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| Thursday, August 24, 2006 |
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Sen. Talent’s Missouri Values tour has been a big success. With fifteen stops over three days, Sen. Talent, the campaign staff and our volunteer corps have been working hard across the state. 
On Wednesday, Sen. Talent visited Nevada, Lamar, Joplin, Mt. Vernon and Springfield. Today he was in Nixa, Marshfield, Lebanon, Waynesville and Rolla.
There have been many highlights on the tour. Marshfield was one of them.
Despite the heat of a Missouri August, more than 400 people made their way to the Webster County Courthouse square to welcome Sen. Talent to town. It was an overwhelming reception. 
In his speech, Sen. Talent talked about his leadership in the Senate for ethanol and biodiesel, his plan to protect America’s borders and his support for terrorist surveillance to protect our national and homeland security.
After his speech, Sen. Talent took pictures with the school kids and visited one-on-one with folks around the courthouse square.
It was a great event and a great day. 
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Sen. Talent and Auditor McCaskill have accepted an offer by KYTV, Ozarks Public Television, KSMU and the Springfield News-Leader to debate during prime time on Monday, October 16.
More details to come.
Updated 8:20 p.m.
Below are some links with information about the Springfield debate:
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 Sen. Talent continues to campaign across the state discussing his record of changing Washington and making it work for Missouri’s common sense, conservative values.
Sen. Talent is returning to about 50 counties in the month of August to visit one-on-one with Missourians about the issues that are important to their families and communities.
This past week he visited the following counties: Adair, Bates, Cedar, Cooper, Grundy, Henry, Howard, Livingston, Montgomery, Pettis, Saline and St. Clair.
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| Thursday, August 17, 2006 |
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 Our campaign had a great day at the State Fair. After over-nighting in Sedalia, Sen. Talent was up early and at the director’s tent for the Governor’s ham breakfast.
The breakfast is always a lot of fun. It’s an opportunity for Sen. Talent to visit with friends and supporters. Plus the ham and coffee taste great!
Don’t take my word for it, but I think if you ask most who attended the breakfast, they will tell you that the Talent for Senate signs, stickers and t-shirts far outnumbered our opponent’s. Sen. Talent is very grateful to all of our hard-working volunteers who didn’t mind getting up early to get the signs up and the stickers on!
Following the breakfast, Sen. Talent headed over to the Farm Bureau building where he was honored for his achievements on behalf of Missouri agriculture. It was standing room only at the Farm Bureau.
Missouri Farm Bureau President Charlie Kruse led the program, discussing the reasons his 104,000 farm-family organization endorsed Jim Talent for U.S. Senate. The packed house also heard remarks from U.S. Senator Kit Bond, Governor Matt Blunt, Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, Congressman Kenny Hulshof, Congressman Sam Graves, Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and State Treasurer Sarah Steelman.
Sen. Talent spent the rest of the morning visiting with folks on the midway. He stopped by the dairy barn, the soybean booth, the corn growers’ booth, the fire station, the pork chop place, and he grilled some burgers over at the Beef House (one of his favorite things to do at the Fair).
Sen. Talent was also a guest at Sen. Bond’s agriculture lunch where farmers got a legislative update and had the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas with their senators.
All in all, it was a terrific day at the Fair. It was especially encouraging to see so many people come up to Sen. Talent to thank him for his service and to offer their support. As a campaign staffer, these acts of kindness are a constant reminder about what this campaign is really about: the people of Missouri.
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Sen. Talent’s office issued the following statement today in response to U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor’s ruling in the National Security Agency terrorist surveillance program case:
“Today’s ruling by the U.S. District Court in Detroit, if allowed to stand, would harm the security of the United States and the American people.
“We all recognize that intelligence is the key to defeating the terrorists and we have to be willing to get the intelligence to keep our nation safe.
“As the arrests in Great Britain make clear, there are a large number of terrorist cells and organizations plotting to carry out attacks against the U.S. and all who oppose their barbaric vision of the future.
“The court’s ruling fails to recognize the primary objectives of winning the war and the interdependence of liberty and security.
“We must make our intelligence gathering efforts focused and effective. Nothing in the Constitution was intended to prevent the exercise of those powers that are necessary to protect our people.”
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 The Missouri Press Association just announced that Senator Talent and Claire McCaskill will both appear at their candidates' forum on Sept. 15.
Sen. Talent's comments from the Missouri Press Association's news release:
"I always look forward to meeting with Missouri's editors and publishers at these forums and in my travels around the state," Sen. Talent said.
"We have tough, but fair newspaper men and women in Missouri. Missouri Press Association members ask the tough questions because they recognize their responsibility as opinion leaders in our communities. I appreciate this invitation to discuss my record of changing Washington and making it work for Missouri's common sense, conservative values," he said.
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Claire McCaskill is airing illegal radio ads in her campaign for U.S. Senate. Since the State Auditor and her campaign obviously need a lesson in Federal Election law, we are pleased to bring her this crash course on radio ad disclaimers.
Below is an excerpt from the Federal Election Commission’s Code of Federal Regulations. Here’s what the law says about disclaimers:
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(iv) The following are examples of acceptable statements that satisfy the spoken statement requirements of paragraph (c)(3) of this section with respect to a radio, television, or other broadcast, cable, or satellite communication, but they are not the only allowable statements:
(A) “I am [insert name of candidate], a candidate for [insert Federal office sought], and I approved this advertisement.”
(B) “My name is [insert name of candidate]. I am running for [insert Federal office sought], and I approved this message.”
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The law clearly states that candidates must personally state the office they are seeking in their radio commercials. If this law appears to be pretty straightforward, it’s because it is.
Now that you know the law, click on the disclaimers below to see who followed the law and who violated it.
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Jim Talent has been to each of Missouri’s 114 counties and the City of St. Louis many times as a candidate and as our state’s U.S. Senator.
In the month of August, he will be visiting about 50 counties. In case you were wondering, since August 1st he’s been to...
Callaway, Polk, Jasper, Greene, Jackson, Boone, Clay, Cass, Johnson, Ste Genevieve, St. Francois, Jefferson, Cole, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Howell, Pemiscot, Cape Girardeau and Scott.
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| Saturday, August 12, 2006 |
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Sen. Talent this week called for Senate hearings to investigate BP’s actions regarding the discovery of leaks and corrosion in their oil pipelines which led to the shutdown of their Alaska drilling operations. Sen. Talent, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, wrote the Committee Chairman requesting appropriate oversight hearings.
While Sen. Talent was taking action, Claire McCaskill held a political press conference outside a gas station in Kansas City. McCaskill talked tough, but when the media asked for her plan to hold the oil companies accountable, she couldn’t answer the question.
Click here to see the report by KMBC-TV Channel 9 in Kansas City.
Sen. Talent has a plan to help reduce gas prices over the long term by exploring for oil in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge and exploring for oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico. McCaskill opposes both of these solutions. She also opposed last year’s Energy bill which requires the oil companies to add 7.5 billion gallons of ethanol and biodiesel to the nation’s fuel supply.
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 Not at the Missouri Farm Bureau. Claire McCaskill missed a job interview this afternoon with Missouri farmers and ranchers. It was an opportunity for McCaskill to put her record before the group that represents 104,000 family farmers in Missouri. She declined.
Sen. Talent, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, was proud to put his record before our farmers and let them decide the best person to fight for Missouri agriculture in the Senate. After examining Sen. Talent’s accomplishments, the Missouri Farm Bureau endorsed Jim Talent for U.S. Senate.
Missournet has posted Jim Talent's interview with the Missouri Farm Bureau. Click here to listen.
With Missouri Farm Bureau’s support, Sen. Talent has now been endorsed by six major producer groups with endorsements from the Missouri Soybean Association, the Missouri Corn Growers Association, the Missouri Pork Association, the Missouri Dairy Association and the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.
UPDATE (08/11/2006, 2:57 p.m.)
Click here to listen to Claire McCaskill attacking the Missouri Farm Bureau followed by Farm Bureau President Charlie Kruse's response. The audio is also from the Missourinet.
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| Thursday, August 10, 2006 |
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Sen. Talent this morning condemned the terrorist plots targeting U.S. and British citizens in the following statement issued by his office:
“This morning’s announcement by British and U.S. officials that terrorists were plotting to destroy commercial aircraft in flight between Great Britain and the United States underscores the barbaric nature of the terrorist groups that seek to harm the U.S. and its allies. This morning’s announcement is also a reminder of the need for continued vigilance to ensure the safety and security of America with intelligence-gathering and terrorist surveillance.
“No matter what the terrorists’ objectives, we will not falter in our mission, nor waver in our resolve. Either we take the war to the terrorists, or we face them at home.
“All Americans are grateful to our British allies for their dedication and their efforts to put a stop to these planned attacks.”
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| Wednesday, August 09, 2006 |
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Sen. Talent made a commitment to the people of Missouri that he would work hard for everyone in the U.S. Senate and he has kept that promise.
In the Senator’s travels this past weekend he attended some key events in the African-American community including the 15th annual Black Expo of St. Louis at the America Convention Center.
The Black Expo features vendors such as local businesses – large and small – and community organizations. Senator Talent has attended the Black Expo in years past and enjoys visiting with Missourians there.
This year, our campaign had a booth at the Black Expo with 15 African-American volunteers working the booth and talking to folks about Sen. Talent’s accomplishments.
 In addition to the Black Expo, Sen. Talent also greeted those who participated in the Prostate Cancer Walk hosted by the 100 Black Men of St. Louis. African American men are disproportionately affected by Prostate Cancer and the Senator wanted to express his personal gratitude for everyone who is helping raise awareness to this disease.
The Senator was also interviewed by two media outlets this weekend geared toward a predominantly African American audience. Listeners heard Sen. Talent on the Freeman Bosley Jr. Show on 100.3 FM The Beat which focuses on national and local political issues. The Senator answered questions and updated listeners on some of his most recent accomplishments in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Talent was also interviewed by 1490 AM WESL at the Black Expo and had a great discussion on the issues in this year’s election.
Many African-Americans for Talent joined us last night at our Primary Victory Party including Sam Blue, a Democrat who is supporting Jim Talent. Mr. Blue was interviewed last night on KSDK-TV.
If you or someone you know would like to join African-Americans for Talent, please sign up on our coalition page!
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| Saturday, August 05, 2006 |
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It was another busy day on the campaign trail for Jim Talent.
First thing this morning, Sen. Talent was in downtown St. Louis to thank and encourage participants in the 4th annual prostate cancer survivors and awareness walk. Sen. Talent addressed the walkers at the event which was sponsored by the 100 Black Men of St. Louis.
Sen. Talent then traveled to Fulton where he outlined his border security plan in Fulton. You can read and listen to his comments on the Missourinet.
The list of Missouri agriculture groups endorsing Jim Talent is getting bigger. This afternoon, Sen. Talent was in Halfway and Carthage in Southwest Missouri where he received key endorsements by the Missouri Dairy Association and the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. Sen. Talent was pleased to be joined by Congressman Roy Blunt at the events.
Sen. Talent continued to discuss his support for a full and permanent repeal of the death tax to help Missouri farmers and ranchers. Later, Claire McCaskill repeated her support of the death tax, telling KY3-TV that she doesn’t want a full repeal.
Tonight, Sen. Talent is visiting with supporters in Springfield at a Republican barbeque.
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Sen. Talent is back in Missouri after a successful week in Washington where he helped pass important legislation for Missouri education, energy, border security and Civil Rights. While some politicians were busy arguing on the national talk shows, Sen. Talent was hard at work. Below are just a few of the things he accomplished for Missouri this week.
Education
The Senate passed an education plan co-sponsored by Sen. Talent to help thousands of Missouri families save for college by making a tax free investment. The legislation makes the college savings plan permanent. When the legislation is enacted, more Missourians will have the opportunity to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for higher education.
Energy
On energy, the Senate passed legislation to allow oil and natural gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. Experts say this region could have as much as 1.2 billion barrels of oil and nearly 6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, enough to heat 6 million homes for 15 years. Sen. Talent is a co-sponsor of the legislation and proudly voted yes. His opponent, Claire McCaskill says she’s against the plan for the same reason she opposes exploring for oil the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Border Security
Sen. Talent wants to secure our borders. That’s why he co-sponsored legislation that passed the Senate this week to provide $1.8 billion for 370 miles of triple-layered fencing and 500 miles of vehicle barriers along the nation’s southwest border. Claire McCaskill opposes a border fence. She told the Columbia Daily Tribune on March 30 that a border fence is “not going to solve the problem.”
Civil Rights
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Talent to establish offices at the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute unsolved Civil Rights-era murder cases. The idea for the legislation grew out of conversations that Senator Talent had with Alvin Sykes, the President of the Emmett Till Justice Campaign. Sen. Talent is continuing to work with people on both sides of the aisle and on both sides of the Capitol to pass the legislation.
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Check out this story from today's Kansas City Star 's KC Buzz Blog. If you witness anyone defacing or removing a Talent for Senate sign, please help our campaign by contacting the police immediately with a description of the perpetrators and their license plate numbers.
If you see a Talent volunteer installing a sign, please encourage them with a wave or a thumbs-up. They are working hard this summer to get our signs out around Missouri.
And do you want to know the best way to annoy these perpetrators? Put up your own yard sign!
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Just think - less than one hundred days from now Missourians will go to the polls on Election Day! It's hard to believe it is right around the corner and there is much to be done before then.
Many believe that this race will be among the most closely watched in the nation and will remain close over the next three months. That's where you come in. It's going to take our very best efforts to win, and to do so we need your help to...
- Get our message out. Your help allows us to tell people about my work for common sense, conservative values in the U.S. Senate. We need to continue to put ads on TV, on the radio, in newspapers and online, send mail to undecided voters and spread the word to voters everywhere to ask for their vote in November. In fact, we've recently posted two more TV ads to the Website so I hope you'll take a moment today to watch our latest ads about my work on sickle cell disease treatment and my work to change Washington by working with people in both parties. And if you missed it, please watch our first TV ad with my special commentary.
- Expand our grassroots organization. I'm a big believer in grassroots campaigns. We're working hard each and every day to reach out to voters to expand our grassroots organization and this takes time and resources. Your support will help us build and activate one of the strongest grassroots organizations Missouri has ever seen!
- Get out the vote on Election Day! Most importantly, we need to have the resources necessary to win on Election Day. Reminding Missourians about the importance of their individual vote and getting our supporters to the polls is critically important and will make the difference between winning and losing.
And we now have less than 100 days to accomplish all of these things! I have full confidence in our team and we are not taking anything for granted to ensure victory - but we also need your help and support to win. If every person who reads this gives $100 - just $1 for every day left before Election Day (plus $1 to put us over the top!) - we'll have the resources necessary to make a strong push to Election Day in November.
I know for many people, $100 is a lot to ask, but I hope you'll consider making that investment in my campaign today so together we can make the country better. Even if you can't give $100, please consider making a generous donation of whatever you can afford today. We can't sit back and wonder "what if" 100 days from now - we need to gear up today.
I'm so grateful for your support and trust, and I look forward to working hard over the next 100 days so we can celebrate a great victory together on Election night.
On to victory!
Jim Talent
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The coalition of farmers supporting Sen. Jim Talent grew by 300 on Saturday when the Missouri Pork Association endorsed him at an event in Marshall.
With this important endorsement, Sen. Talent now has the support of three major agricultural associations representing 3,800 Missouri farmers. These farmers have said they trust Sen. Talent to continue fighting for Missouri agriculture in Washington.
Click on the below links to learn more about who is endorsing Sen. Talent:
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Senator Talent had a busy day listening, working and honoring an old friend.
Sen. Talent visited five communities today beginning in Gordonville where he launched his Farm & Ranch Team together with Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson and about 35 members of the agricultural community in Southeast Missouri. Members of the Farm & Ranch Team include the Missouri Corn Growers Association and the Missouri Soybean Association which have endorsed Sen. Talent for his leadership on ethanol and biodiesel.
In Kennett, Sen. Talent paid tribute to his late friend, Rep. Ott Bean, who passed away on Sunday. Sen. Talent this morning joined Rep. Bean’s many friends and family at a memorial service.
Sen. Talent and Congresswoman Emerson discussed the need to secure our borders at an event in Poplar Bluff. Sen. Talent outlined his bipartisan Border Security plan and the reasons he opposes an amnesty for unlawful immigrants.
In St. Robert, near Fort Leonard Wood, Sen. Talent discussed bipartisan legislation he passed in the Senate to protect our service men and women from predatory lenders. Predatory lending is a staggering problem in Missouri where unscrupulous lenders target active duty service members and charge them as much as 800 percent APR on small loans.
Sen. Talent ended the day in Potosi which was hit hard by last Wednesday’s storms. The Senator met with area officials at the storm relief command center at the Washington County courthouse and visited the local elementary school that is operating as a cooling center and shelter for those in need. Earlier this week, Sen. Talent helped secure a federal disaster declaration for Washington County, the city of St. Louis and the counties of Dent, Iron, Jefferson, St. Charles and St. Louis all of which were impacted by the storm.
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KTVO-TV3 in Kirksville aired a feature on the Missouri Corn Growers’ endorsement of Senator Talent.
The segment is now available on their Website. You can check it out by logging onto:
The Missouri Corn Growers Association represents more than 1,800 corn farmers in the state.
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Sen. Talent has worked hard to be champion in the Senate on issues that are important to the African-American community. On Saturday, he was recognized for his work as more than 300 African-American supporters in St. Louis helped kick-off the African-Americans for Talent Coalition.
Supporters praised Sen. Talent for working with Republicans and Democrats to pass critical legislation for the African-American community including initiatives on health care, small business, Civil Rights and education.
We heard incredible testimonials from people whose lives have been positively impacted by the Senator’s work in the African American community.
Caroline Douglas, the mother of a child suffering from Sickle Cell Disease stated “I’ve been a Democrat all of my life, but then I started to realize that I needed not to vote for a Party but vote for a person who was making a difference, who was doing the job, and that’s Jim Talent. Sen. Jim Talent created the Sickle Cell Treatment Act to create centers across the country to help adults and children who have Sickle Cell Disease. Jim Talent cares about what is happening with the people in this state and I think the people should send him back to the Senate.”
Halbert Sullivan, CEO of the Fathers’ Support Center stated, “I’m supporting Jim Talent not only for his leadership in the African-American community, but for his work in helping communities become self-sufficient. I’m supporting him for his honesty and for his effectiveness in passing important legislation such as the Sickle Cell Treatment bill and legislation to help strengthen families by supporting healthy marriage and responsible fatherhood. We need to send Jim Talent back to the United States Senate.”
Our guests also heard from Alphonso Jackson who serves as the U.S. Secretary of Housing & Urban Development. Secretary Jackson has deep ties in Missouri. He attended college here and law school, and later served as the Director of the St. Louis City Housing Authority. Jackson urged African-Americans to examine Senator Talent’s record of fighting for the African-American community rather than any party affiliation.
If you are interested in joining the African-Americans for Talent coalition, please contact our campaign headquarters.
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Sen. Talent has always believed that reducing taxes for everyone not only creates jobs and economic growth, it also helps reduce the deficit.
The media is reporting that an “unexpected steep rise in tax revenues” is helping reduce the budget deficit this year despite increased spending priorities for the War on Terror and emergency relief for the victims of the hurricanes.
According to media reports, White House officials will announce that tax receipts will be about $250 billion above last year's levels and that the deficit will be about $100 billion less than what they projected six months ago.
Sen. Talent wants to make the tax cuts permanent to continue creating jobs and generating the economic growth that is helping reduce the deficit. His opponent, Claire McCaskill, supports higher taxes and she opposed the tax cuts that have been credited with reducing the deficit.
Claire McCaskill also opposes permanent repeal of the death tax. Sen. Talent believes that the death of a farmer or small business person should not be a taxable event and he wants to eliminate this job-killing tax once and for all.
There is a clear difference between Senator Talent and Claire McCaskill on taxes.
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Over the last three days more than 1,000 Missouri women helped kick-off the Women for Talent coalition.
Women from Cape Giradeau to St. Louis, Columbia to Kansas City and Joplin to Springfield joined together to show their support for Sen. Talent.
Sen. Talent was joined by the No. 1 lady in his life, Brenda Talent, who introduced him at the events. The exception was Cape Girardeau, where the Talent’s 13-year-old daughter, Kate, introduced her Dad.
Women who attended our events and signed up for volunteer opportunities received a special Women for Talent lapel pin which Brenda described as the newest fashion trend for 2006.
Women will be instrumental in this election and together we can make a difference. Sen. Talent is encouraging women from across the state to join the coalition, volunteer and communicate with their networks about his record of effectiveness for Missouri.
Thanks to all of the women who participated in our coalition events, especially our hardworking volunteers. Now ladies, let's go out and win this election!
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Sen. Talent traveled to five Missouri towns on Wednesday to outline his bipartisan border security plan to help secure America’s borders with additional manpower, new barriers and high-tech surveillance equipment.
Sen. Talent discussed his plan at county courthouses in Warrensburg, Warsaw, Farmington, Potosi & Steelville on his border security tour.
Click here to read more about Sen. Talent’s border security plan and to read about Claire McCaskill’s plan to give amnesty to illegal immigrants.
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The campaign had a fun, but busy Fourth of July weekend as we joined with Missourians in celebrating our American traditions: freedom, justice and opportunity for everybody.
Sen. Talent was out and about in Marshfield, Cameron and Spingfield. And our tireless volunteers and supporters participated in more than forty Fourth of July parades and events around the state.
In Marshfield, Sen. Talent celebrated with the people of Webster County during the 124th Annual Independence Day Parade. Sen. Talent then traveled to Clinton County for the Fourth of July parade in Cameron. Sen. Talent walked the parade routes and visited with area residents along the way. We were overwhelmed with requests for Talent for Senate stickers and signs.
Following the parades, Sen. Talent spoke at the I Love America Celebration sponsored by James River Assembly inGreene County. The Springfield News-Leader reported this morning that an estimated 150,000 people attended this event.
Including the events Sen. Talent participated in personally, the Talent for Senate campaign joined with Missourians at more than forty events around the state over the Fourth of July weekend.
On behalf of Sen. Talent, thanks to everyone who welcomed our campaign into their towns and to the many volunteers and supporters who helped make each of these events so successful.
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Claire McCaskill recently issued a disingenuous statement on the amendment to protect the American Flag.
On one hand McCaskill says she supports the amendment and on the other she says she doesn’t believe the Senate should vote on it.
To their credit, Missouri opinion leaders are not taking Claire McCaskill at her word. In fact, one wrote that he believes McCaskill “lied.”
Hank Waters, the publisher of the Columbia Daily Tribune wrote that Claire McCaskill “made this pronouncement with obvious lack of resolve, trying to indicate she thinks it’s no big deal, a weasel tactic aimed at having it both ways. Worse, I believe she lied about her true feeling.”
Steve Kraske, the Kansas City Star’s top political reporter also questioned McCaskill’s sincerity on the issue in his Sunday column, pointing out the inconsistency of her position.
The Joplin Globe published an editorial this morning saying, “McCaskill's prepared statement smacked of political opportunism.” The Globe added, “One would think…that a genuine supporter of the amendment, as McCaskill suggests she is, would have applauded the prospect of a vote and hoped for its passage.”
Claire McCaskill’s critics on this issue are not necessarily supporting Sen. Talent’s long-time position in favor of the amendment. They know where Sen. Talent stands and we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable. McCaskill, on the other hand, should come clean and tell Missourians her true position on the amendment.
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 Sen. Talent this morning traveled to Clinton to offer his support to residents and community leaders and to survey the damage at the Elks Lodge which tragically collapsed earlier this week taking the life of Tony Komer.
The senator, who was joined by his son Michael, visited with about 200 Elks at a breakfast where he had the opportunity to listen to the stories of those who survived the  tragedy and to join with them in mourning the loss of their friend.
Sen. Talent encouraged residents to keep the faith and praised the community for their generous and heartfelt support of the Komer family.
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Sen. Talent had a very busy week in the Senate and in Missouri.
Throughout the week, Sen. Talent was working to include Missouri priorities in the annual spending bills that are moving through the Senate. Some of those priorities include water quality for Southwest Missouri, renewable fuels research, the Health Science Research facility at Mizzou and flood protection for our people and their property.
Sen. Talent also took to the Senate floor on Tuesday to speak in support of the Flag protection amendment. Unfortunately, the amendment failed by one vote in the Senate. Sen. Talent was deeply disappointed that the Senate missed an opportunity to protect the American Flag.
We were very pleased that on Wednesday President Bush came to Missouri to support Sen. Talent. Sen. Talent traveled with the President aboard Air Force One and they had the opportunity to talk about issues important to Missouri.
This morning, Sen. Talent addressed hundreds of Missouri veterans at the statewide Veterans of Foreign Wars’ 86th Annual Convention in Columbia. Sen. Talent talked about the importance of intelligence gathering and the President’s Terrorist Surveillance Program. He also talked about the importance of protecting the American Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance.
On Monday, I was invited to speak on Sen. Talent’s behalf at Girls State in Warrensburg. For those of you who are not familiar with Girls State, it’s a great program for young women from all over Missouri (mostly rising seniors in high school) who are interested in service and government. They participate in seminars, caucuses and mock elections to enhance their understanding of the political process.
I had the opportunity to address the group about how I got involved in government and Sen. Talent’s campaign. I was very impressed with their questions and their enthusiasm. Like Sen. Talent, I am optimistic about our young people and the future of America.
Sen. Talent is preparing for his events over the Fourth of July weekend. We’re very excited about our plans and I’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date.
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Sen. Talent today voted against the retreat plans for Iraq proposed by Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Carl Levin (D-Mich.). The Kerry retreat plan failed 13-86 and the Levin retreat plan failed 39-60.
Sen. Talent took to the Senate floor last night to oppose the retreat plans and to discuss the challenges and successes we have had in Iraq and the War on Terror of which it is a part.
Click here to read Sen. Talent’s speech.
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The campaign has been following closely the debate in the U.S. Senate on Iraq. Sen. Talent was quoted in today’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch opposing Democrat-led efforts to quit in Iraq. Sen. Talent had this to say against the plans to cut-and-run:
“The only standard we can set is that we are resolved to stay until we win,” said Sen. Jim Talent. “Progress is clearly being made, and any kind of a timetable for withdrawal will just encourage our enemies.”
Claire McCaskill either is not commenting on the Resolutions, or no one is asking her about them. Whatever the reason, her silence speaks volumes.
You’ll recall that McCaskill recently unveiled Howard Dean’s retreat plan for Iraq. A newspaper columnist for the Kansas City Star said the plan “emphasized getting out over winning” and criticized McCaskill for being “defeatist and wishy-washy” on Iraq.
Could this be the reason for her silence on the Senate debate?
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 Sen. Talent is a big believer in building coalitions with Missourians in any way they organize. This weekend, Sen. Talent met with about 150 Missouri Sportsmen in Joplin and Poplar Bluff. These men and women are supporting Sen. Talent because he stands up for the 2 nd Amendment, private property rights and other issues important to sportsmen.
Keep checking our Website for more information about our Talent for Senate coalitions.
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 In observance of Flag Day, we have proudly displayed the American Flag at the Talent for Senate headquarters. We are pleased to join with the many Missourians who will take time today to display and honor our Flag as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting it.
Sen. Talent is co-sponsoring an amendment in the Senate to protect the Flag from public desecration, and he has held rallies with Missourians in support of this effort.
Sen. Talent’s office this morning issued the following statement by the Senator in observance of Flag Day:
“On Flag Day we honor the American flag as one of the unifying symbols of our Republic. It was Harry Truman of Missouri who signed an Act of Congress in August 1949, designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
“Our flag represents that common history and heritage which holds America together notwithstanding religious, cultural or political differences.
“Physical desecration of the flag degrades and coarsens our political dialogue far more than any speech or political dissent possibly could. We should never support restricting anyone’s right to say or write anything they want about the flag or America. But burning a flag is not speech; it is an act with expressive overtones, and that distinction is crucial for constitutional purposes.
“I’ve cosponsored a constitutional amendment to ban desecration of the flag. I urge the Senate to pass it so we can protect this vital American symbol now and for future generations.”
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With less than five months to go in the campaign, the work week is quickly becoming seven days long. Today has been a good day to tie up loose ends, return emails, plan the week ahead and, of course, read the Sunday papers.
Kansas City Star editorial writer and columnist E. Thomas McClanahan today discussed Claire McCaskill’s Iraq withdrawal plan. For those of you who have been keeping up with the campaign, you’ll recall that Claire McCaskill recently unveiled Howard Dean’s disengagement plan for Iraq. McClanahan called the (Dean-McCaskill) plan “defeatist and wishy-washy” and said it emphasized “getting out over winning.” He said voters should be reminded that the one thing worse than war is losing.
Click here to read the column.
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 I’ve just returned from the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The Race raises funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease.
Myself and others on the Senator’s staff participated in the Race. It was encouraging to see so many Missourians joining together for this important fight.
I’ve participated in Race for the Cure in the past and Senator Talent and his wife Brenda encouraged me to stay involved. For Senator Talent, the fight against breast cancer is personal. Like many Missouri families, Senator Talent’s family has been affected by breast cancer. Sen. Talent’s mother, Marie, fought a difficult and losing battle with breast cancer. That’s one of the reasons Sen. Talent has been a leader in the fight to defeat breast cancer.
Senator Talent is very passionate about this issue. In addition to increased funding for breast cancer research, he even passed legislation allowing the St. Louis Arch to be illuminated in pink lighting every October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
To learn more about the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Race for the Cure, please log on to their Website at http://www.komen.org
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Rallies, parades and picnics are a big part of campaigns, but there is also the day-to-day operations and management that make campaigns work.
For my job, this week has been all about the day-to-day. That means making sure we can meet the big demand for yard signs and bumper strips and stay within our budget. Making certain we are planning events well in advance and doing everything we need to do to make these events successful. And keeping the trains running on time.
It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding work. And as hard as all of us are working on this campaign, Sen. Talent is working even harder for the people of Missouri in Washington.
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Everyone in the campaign has been monitoring the news of the death of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, the most-wanted terrorist in Iraq.
Sen. Talent’s office issued a statement this morning with the Senator’s remarks on Al-Zarqawi’s death:
“The killing of Al-Zarqawi is another success for U.S. and Iraqi forces in a very necessary fight. He was the most visible, most violent, and most radical of the foreign fighters in Iraq.
“Last night’s attack was the culmination of many weeks of intelligence gathering by U.S. and Iraqi forces. The intelligence obtained from the strike on this safe house provided coalition forces with information leading to attacks on seventeen subsequent locations in the Baghdad area.
“It’s important to understand that this success was the result of good intelligence gathering. We don’t know the details on how that intelligence was gathered but we can speculate with a degree of certainty that Iraqi forces and Iraqi contacts were crucial to this important success. That shows the importance of having Iraq as an ally in the global war on terror.
“This close cooperation between U.S. and Iraqi forces, with Iraqi forces increasingly shouldering the burden, is how we will defeat the insurgents and allow our service men and women to come home as soon as possible.”
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Wow! What a fantastic campaign kick-off.
First, thanks to the many volunteers who worked so hard at these events. Your willingness to go above and beyond is a big part of why these events were so successful.
For everyone who attended the kick-off events, thank you! In two days, Sen. Talent and his family held 8 events in 8 towns in front of nearly 1000 enthusiastic supporters.
As Sen. Talent said at the events, he is more grateful to you than you'll ever know.
If you're reading this diary, you probably want to know what was going on behind the scenes at these events. Well, one thing is for sure,
a lot of hard work was going on.
One of my responsibilities was to be the site leader at our kick-off to the kick-off in Springfield. That means I was in charge of event planning and organizing our volunteers.
I made the drive to Springfield on Thursday afternoon in a rain storm. We were concerned that weather conditions might present a challenge to our kick-off schedule, and we were all relieved to have beautiful Missouri weather all weekend long.
Since Springfield was the first event, I was really looking forward to hearing Sen. Talent's speech.
We had an enthusiastic crowd and excellent testimonials from Greene County Sheriff Jack Merritt and David Casaletto of Galena. Sheriff Merritt talked about Sen. Talent's anti-meth legislation and Mr. Casaletto talked about the senator's work on water quality issues for Southwest Missouri.
Governor Blunt did a great job drawing distinctions between the two candidates and letting everyone know what is at stake in this election.
The anticipation was overwhelming when Sen. Talent, Brenda and their three children, Michael, Kate and Chrissy, were introduced.
Sen. Talent's speech was very well-received. In it, he outlined how he is changing Washington for Missouri seniors, farmers, families and law enforcement. I know the senator was very encouraged by the feedback he received after his remarks.
After visiting with supporters and talking to the media, Sen. Talent and his family headed to Joplin for the second event. And I prepared to get back on the road, this time to Cape Girardeau where I was the site leader for the sixth event the following day.
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 Hello everyone, I’m Tiffany Watkins, the Deputy Campaign Manager for Talent for Senate.
Jim is kicking off his Senate campaign this weekend so we thought this would be the perfect time to kick-off the campaign diary. We want to bring you inside the campaign and the diary is a place where you can access the latest information and, as Paul Harvey would say, get the rest of the story.
We are very excited about the upcoming announcement tour. And no one is more excited than Jim. He’s particularly looking forward to it because his wife Brenda will be traveling with him, and since their kids are out of school for the summer, Michael, Kate and Chrissy will be there, too.
Jim will be kicking off his campaign in Springfield, Joplin, Kansas City and Columbia on Friday, June 2, and in St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, St. Joseph and Hannibal on Saturday, June 3. The events are free and you don’t need to bring anything but your family and friends. Click here for more information on the event nearest you.
Campaigns are a lot of work, but they are also a lot of fun. So if you’re thinking about joining the campaign as a volunteer, you ought to give it a try. Even if you have only an hour or two to spare, there is nothing more valuable to our campaign than the people who willingly donate their time because they want to make the country better.
If you’ve never volunteered before or you want to get involved again, give us a call or click here. Or better yet, come to one of our announcement events if you can and let us know you want to join Talent for Senate as a volunteer.
Stay tuned for more from the campaign trail soon.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the volunteers and supporters who joined us for the final four Talent for Senate rallies of the campaign!
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It was another great day on the campaign trail as Jim Talent met with hundreds of supporters in Poplar Bluff, Cape Girardeau and Rolla.
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