Claire McCaskill

Claire McCaskill (D) is running for re-election for Senate in Missouri. McCaskill is facing strong opposition from Republicans who are targeting this seat as one to win back. Attack ads from Karl Rove's group, Crossroads GPS, are already airing in the state. Three of the eight candidates running for the Republican nomination in the August 7 Republican primary have raised more than $1 million each.

Background:

• Elected to the U. S. Senate in 2006, defeating incumbent Jim Talent (R) by a margin of 49.6% to 47.3%.
• McCaskill won a seat in the Missouri State Legislature in 1982, making her the only woman attorney in the Missouri General Assembly.
• In 1993 McCaskill became the first female prosecutor for Jackson County, the largest prosecutor's office in the state. She headed the office until she became Missouri Auditor in 1999.
• McCaskill lost the Missouri Governor's race in 2004 after defeating the incumbent governor in a primary.

McCaskill's Positions on Key Issues:

• McCaskill is 100% pro-choice and has been a reliable vote on reproductive rights and family planning issues.
• Committed to pay equity and women's rights issues.
• Strong supporter of education including Pell grants and Head Start.

Prospects: The Cook Political Report calls this race a toss-up.

Other Endorsements: Emily's List, Women's Campaign Forum, NWPC

Website: http://www.clairemccaskill.com/