Talent Surges Ahead In New Senate Race Poll

A new public opinion poll on the race for Missouri’s U.S. Senate seat indicates Republican challenger Jim Talent is picking up momentum as the campaign heads into the stretch. The Zogby International poll, conducted Wednesday through Friday of last week for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, gives the former St. Louis area Congressman the support of 47.3% of those surveyed, compared to 40.8% support for those backing incumbent Democrat Senator Jean Carnahan. These results represent a turnaround from the previous Zogby poll, conducted three week earlier, in which Carnahan was outpacing Talent, 47.6% to 40.3%. The same survey asked respondents their preferences in the Missouri State Auditor’s race. 47.1% of those surveyed support incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill, while 24.8% back Republican challenger Al Hanson. Opinions on Proposition A – the cigarette tax increase – were also sought for this poll. 59.1% of those surveyed expressed the intention to support the 55-cent per pack increase, while 37% said they oppose it.