In recent weeks and months, the public opinion polls showed Republican presidential candidate John McCain (R-AZ) opening a lead over Democratic nominee Barack Obama (D-IL). But the polls are now tightening and Missouri appears to be back in the toss-up category.

Republican National Committee Deputy Chairman Frank Donatelli says the GOP takes nothing for granted in Missouri, realizes the importance of this state in the grand scheme of things, and will spend a lot of time and effort trying to convince the voters of this state to support the McCain-Palin ticket.

Donatelli says there are several issues being stressed during this campaign, with a great deal of attention being paid to the issue of national security.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)