Senate control may be at stake in GOP-friendly Missouri

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Senate control may be at stake in GOP-friendly Missouri
Oct 24, 3:38 AM EDT
By ERICA WERNER
AP Congressional Correspondent

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The clamor for change fueling Republican Donald Trump's presidential campaign may help a little-known Democrat upset a powerful GOP senator in red-state Missouri on Election Day. And with just a handful of competitive races around the country, the outcome in Missouri could help determine control of the Senate.

The contest between Missouri's secretary of state, Democrat Jason Kander, and Sen. Roy Blunt did not start out high on either party's list of competitive Senate races in a state Trump is likely to win. But Kander, a 35-year-old veteran, has proved to be a smart and aggressive campaigner, challenging Blunt's attempts to brand him a liberal by running an ad in which he assembles an AR-15 rifle blindfolded and describes his combat service.

Kander also has sought, unapologetically, to exploit the outsider mood that's propelled Trump to the fore, criticizing the 66-year-old Blunt as a Washington insider who is part of a failed system.

"Really Donald Trump's entire message is that people like Sen. Blunt are the problem," Kander said before a recent rally in Kansas City where Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren appeared on his behalf.


Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SENATE_2016?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-10-24-03-38-18

[Sherman A1]

1. From what I understand

the race is razor thin. Kander is up by maybe 1% at last report, however just a few weeks ago he was down by 4% so that is a huge improvement.

I have been getting a whole lot of negative mailings from the various PAC's painting Kander and other Democrats as being far too liberal. I laugh as I place them into the recycle bin.....

[pnwmom]

2. I've given to him twice--based on that ad, which I thought was so effective. n/t

[Lochloosa]

3. And if you have not seen his AR-15 add here it is. One of the most effective adds on gun control.

[johnnyrocket]

9. It's just too bad we're a gun fetish society.

These kinds of ads are ridiculous.

[OnDoutside]

13. You have to remember that these are simple people he's pandering to...... you know,

morons.

[alarimer]

4. Sad he runs from the liberal label.

I know there are in fact many liberal combat veterans.

[jcgoldie]

5. If he wants to get elected in redneck Missouri

He has to run from it whether the shoe fits or not. I'm reminded of Hillary distinguishing between public and private personas of effective politicians.

[LovingA2andMI]

6. And...

It's more important how he votes, winning this Senate seat away from Blunt and the GOP. This is Missouri, not New York and Kanter needs to run a winnable campaign for where he lives in the Country.

[iandhr]

7. Indeed.

He will vote yes on rising the minimum wage, and a HRC nominee to the supreme court.

[DarthDem]

11. And Many Other Liberal Items

It sounds like people haven't checked out his positions.

[DarthDem]

10. Elizabeth Warren Was Campaigning With Him

I figure, if she's glad to have him alongside her in the Senate, so am I. Pretty much says it all.

[pstokely]

8. It really depends on a good GOTV effort

nt