Talent lobbies for voter support, rallies troops at Cape stop

Two days before the midterm elections, U.S. Sen. Jim Talent made a final stop in Cape Girardeau Sunday asking voters for their support on Tuesday.

During his visit to Cape Girardeau, Talent spoke about his accomplishments in the Senate and his record on issues like promoting renewable fuels, fighting methamphetamine and passing a Medicare prescription drug plan for seniors.

"Elections are about the future, and I'm optimistic that together we can make Missouri and the country better," Talent said.

More than 50 supporters showed up for the rally at the Team Emerson Office at 400 Broadway. The rally was part of a three-day, 11-city statewide tour.

Talent won strong ovations by speaking against abortion and gay marriage but spent most of his time on economic issues, especially focusing on the emergence of crop-based fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. He said the new fuels would be a boon for small town economies.

"In Missouri, we grow the corn and we grow the beans," Talent said.

He highlighted his support of mandates in the Federal Energy Act of 2005 that will require more use of alternative fuels.

Talent also spoke on his efforts to work with Senate colleagues in battling methamphetamine.

"I believe my record shows that I've been effective in working with people in both parties to get things done for Missouri. We did that with the Combat Meth Act, which will reduce the number of meth labs around the country by 70 percent," Talent said.

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and Sandra Thomas, who is the Republican candidate for state auditor, each showed their support for Talent at the rally.

Volunteer support

Talent's campaign seemed intensely focused on voter turnout efforts as the tight race enters its final hours. After Talent spoke, his senior campaign advisor took the podium and directed the crowd's attention to two volunteers carrying sign-up sheets for a final get-out-the-vote effort.

"You're now the most important people in the room," Lloyd Smith told the volunteers. Smith said more than 10,000 staff members and volunteers from several Republican campaigns will combine their efforts for a final voter turnout push of making phone calls and knocking on doors.

Talent's opponent, Democrat Claire McCaskill, began Sunday with a national television appearance on "Fox News Sunday" and visited several predominantly black churches in St. Louis to rally her supporters ahead of the election.

Staff writer Jennifer Freeze contributed to this report.