On some level, it is easy to sympathize with Jim Talent.

In the 2000 election, Holden narrowly defeated Republican Jim Talent.

Jim Talent, who is Missouri's junior senator, and a Republican, was elected in 2002 by about 22,000 votes.

Jim Talent graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1973.

Jim Talent received a number of endorsements for his re-election including from:

Until the Missouri senator, Jim Talent, is sworn in, I'm the balance of power.

The incumbent senator, the Republican Jim Talent, opposes the stem-cell amendment.

All that, and Jim Talent would invest Social Security money in the stock market?

The seat was open because the incumbent, Jim Talent, decided to run for governor.

Jim Talent, an incumbent Republican US Senator facing re-election, has opposed the measure.