Poll Shows Senate Race Neck And Neck

A new public opinion poll on this year’s U.S. Senate race in Missouri shows it’s a very tight contest. The American Viewpoint survey was conducted after Senator Jean Carnahan’s return from Afghanistan, after the announcement of her intention to run for the seat, and prior to President Bush’s State of the Union Address. It gives former St. Louis area Congressman Jim Talent – the Republican candidate – a slight lead, 47 percent to 45 percent, among registered voters polled. Among those surveyed who say they are aware of both candidates, Talent has a 54 to 42 percentage point lead over the Democrat incumbent.