JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Republican Party is pleased to announce that Senator Jim Talent’s campaign committee reports having raised $1.1 million for Talent’s reelection effort during the final fundraising quarter of 2005. The $1.1 million brings Talent’s total raised for the year to $6.1 million, which shatters the previous state record for fundraising in a Missouri U.S. Senate race. In addition, Talent’s committee reports almost $4.7 million in cash-on-hand at the close of 2005—another state record. For perspective, Senator Kit Bond reported $4.3 million in cash-on-hand at the close of the off-year in 2003.

“No U.S. Senate campaign in Missouri history has experienced the kind of widespread fundraising support that Jim Talent has right now,” said Missouri Republican Party spokesman John Hancock. “This impressive display of support for Talent is a reflection of his hard work and dedication to serving the interests of all Missourians.”