It appears her challenger will probably be former US Senator Jim Talent, who is currently a contributor to the Heritage Foundation and levels above Steelman on being a knowledgeable conservative. At least that's according to the Missouri Democratic Party Web site that issued the following press release earlier today after Steelman announced:
In 2012, Missouri voters will have the unenviable task of choosing between Sarah Steelman, an extreme right-wing clone of Sarah Palin, and Jim Talent, a former lobbyist and long-time Washington insider, as candidates for the U.S. Senate. Neither of these flawed candidates possesses the tenacity and independence to move this country forward and help turn this economy around.
In just four short years, Claire McCaskill has established one of the most independent voting records in the entire Senate. Claire McCaskill stands up for Missouri families even when it means standing up against the Washington establishment or her own party. On important fiscal issues like earmarks, Claire McCaskill is leading a bipartisan effort to fundamentally change the way Washington works.
