President Bush spends Friday morning and part of the afternoon in southwest Missouri, campaigning for Republicans in general and for Senator Jim Talent, in particular. Steve Walsh reports. The President takes part in two rallies – one in Springfield, the other in Joplin. Republican Strategist John Hancock says this is part of a big “get out the vote” effort, with incumbent Republican Senator Talent seeking reelection in one of the country’s most closely-watched U.S. Senate races. Hancock says the President’s appearance in the Show-Me State underscores the importance of this race. And, he dismisses suggestions the President is visiting because Democrat Claire McCaskill is making gains in the Republican stronghold of southwest Missouri. Hancock points out the President took part in “get out the vote” rallies in Missouri in 2002 and 2004 and has simply returned in 2006.

Related web sites:
Missouri Republican Party