Late Missouri Governor Still Strong in Polls

The two Senate candidates are tied at 46 percent of the vote according to a poll conducted this week by theKansas City Star. Two weeks ago, a poll showed Ashcroft with a 10-point lead.

Carnahan’s name remains on the ballot, although he was killed in a plane crash Oct. 16. Missouri’s acting governor said he plans to offer the seat to Carnahan’s widow if Carnahan wins the election.

Jean Carnahan has not said whether she would accept the appointment but is expected to announce her decision soon.

Ashcroft suspended his campaign immediately following Carnahan’s death, but returned to the trail this week.

He released new campaign ads that do not directly mention Carnahan, but present Ashcroft as a man of “Missouri values” who should lead the state in this time of crisis.