New Poll Give Dems Reason to Smile

A new public opinion poll gives little assurance to Republicans trying to hold onto power in Washington. Mason-Dixon Polling shows a tied race in Missouri and provides little comfort for Republicans across the country. The poll has incumbent Republican Senator Jim Talent at 43-percent and Democratic challenger Claire McCaskill at 43-percent. The poll was conducted for McClatchy Newspapers and MSNBC. Mason-Dixon pollster Brad Coker notes that undecideds often go to the challenger. No Republicans held firm leads in any of the polls taken by Mason-Dixon in key Senate races, giving Democrats optimisim that they might take the six seats needed to win back the U.S. Senate.