A fifth and final United States Senate debate covers virtually the same ground as the fourth debate, with a bit of a twist thrown in. Senator Jim Talent seemed relieved after the debate held Wednesday evening at the University Academy Charter School in Kansas City, saying it was nice to have all five debates over with. Talent, the incumbent Republican, kept with the theme he hit on Monday in Springfield; attacking Democrat Claire McCaskill, especially on family finances. He again called on McCaskill to release her husband’s tax returns, arguing that where a senate candidate derives her money is relevant. McCaskill, aware of the strategy after the Springfield debate, attempted to deflect it during the debate in Kansas City. She told the audience that she would let them in on a secret, stating that Senator Talent didn’t really believe what he said in his opening remarks. McCaskill said Talent is going along with his political advisors who have told him he has to hit McCaskill hard and make it personal. Talent said that isn’t so. He reiterated statements he made after the Springfield debate; that his newly aggressive tone is striking at relevant issues in this campaign. And he said he would continue to do that.McCaskill believes the Talent camp has decided to go negative in the final weeks. She declared during the campaign that she would not go negative and, at one point, apologized for calling Talent a “false patriot” during a series of news conferences held throughout the state. Talent said he accepts her apology. The debate was sponsored by KMBC-TV, KCPT, KCUR and the Independence Examiner.
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KMBC-TV
Talent for Senate
McCaskill for Senate