Candidate Bob Holden is claiming even more big-name Democrats as backers, attempting to rally behind the leadership of the State Democratic Party as he faces a challenge from within the ranks. Former U.S. Senator Thomas Eagleton and former Governor Warren Hearnes have both signed fund-raising letters on Holden’s behalf. The letters being sent to 80,000 Missouri Democrats state “This is a perilous time. It’s no time for untested leadership.” The phrase is a not-so-thinly veiled swipe at State Auditor Claire McCaskill, who has bucked party leadership to announce she will challenge Holden in the State Democratic Primary for Governor next year.