By AP/KWMU
Springfield, MO – U.S. Senator Jim Talent kicked off his re-election campaign this morning (Friday) at rallies in Springfield, Joplin, Kansas City, and Columbia.
He'll be in St. Louis Saturday. Talent will likely face Democratic state Auditor Claire McCaskill this fall.
Friday morning, he launched the bid in Springfield by casting himself as an agent of change. He said he's made life tougher for illegal meth makers and better for struggling farmers and seniors.
Talent's two-day, eight-city campaign kickoff is designed to highlight his accomplishments.
But likely Democratic challenger Claire McCaskill contends Talent's efforts have resulted in little real change except for an enhanced sense of public frustration with Washington.
With national polls showing sagging support for President Bush and the war in Iraq, Talent emphasized his work on domestic issues. At each city, Talent's campaign arranged for local residents to give testimonials about various initiatives he backed.