Republican Race For Senate Seat Wide Open

The decision by northeast Missouri Congressman Kenny Hulshof to say no to an opportunity to seek the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate race next year means the GOP faithful are still looking for what they feel is the ideal candidate. Family considerations forces Hulshof to the sidelines. He says the eventual Republican candidate will face a tough challenge, presumably against incumbent Democrat Senator Jean Carnahan. Though, Carnahan has yet to announce whether she will run for the seat. Hulshof says there are several Republicans being mentioned as possible candidates. One of the names mentioned most often is that of former St. Louis-area Congressman Jim Talent, who ran unsuccessfully for Governor last year. Hulshof says whoever wants to be the GOP flag-bearer had better move quickly because a Senate race requires a good deal of time and planning.