Talent, McCaskill forum to be Sept. 15

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Republican Sen. Jim Talent and Democratic challenger Claire McCaskill will meet in a candidate's forum Sept. 15.

The Missouri Press Association said Tuesday the two Senate candidates have agreed to participate in the forum during the group's annual convention at the Lake of the Ozarks.

The 10:30 a.m. event at the Lodge of the Four Seasons will be preceded by a forum featuring candidates for state auditor -- the office McCaskill is leaving after two terms to run for Senate. Libertarian candidates on the ballot also have been invited to participate in both forums.

Talent and McCaskill also are to appear together Oct. 8 on NBC's "Meet the Press." They are considering additional debate proposals.

The Missouri Press Association represents more than 300 newspapers in the state and has held forums for statewide candidates at its annual conventions since 1988.