Missouri Republicans are losing no time preparing for next year’s race for the U.S. Senate seat held by Senator Jean Carnahan. And, they’re optimistic that former St. Louis area Congressman Jim Talent will run for the seat. Republican National Committee Co-Chairman Ann Wagner says Talent is the ideal candidate for the job, as he has a lot of expeience, embraces what she calls Missouri values, and has name recognition thanks to an unsuccessful run for Governor last year. Wagner says Talent would be in a good position to defeat incumbent Democrat Senator Carnahan – should Carnahan decide to run in November of next year.