The formal papers were filed some time ago, but Senator Jean Carnahan has now kicked off her campaign for election with the first of several rallies scheduled for throughout the state. The Senator, who was appointed to the post following the posthumous election win of her husband – the late Governor Mel Carnahan – is hoping to win election to serve out the remaining four years of the U.S. Senate term. Sunday’s rallies were held in the St. Louis suburb of Maplewood and in Kansas City. Carnahan outlined what she feels are her accomplishments since taking office in January of last year, including her support for efforts to improve public education. Carnahan’s likely Republican opponent is former St. Louis area Congressman Jim Talent, who has re-issued his call for candidate debates. Talent says it is important for Missouri voters to see that there are differences between the two candidates.
