Talent referred to four bills he helped pass during his four years in office: an energy bill with a renewable fuel standard; an anti-methamphetamine bill which put all cold medicine behind pharmacy counters; a predatory lending law; and a bill which discounts prescription drug prices.

McCaskill criticized Talent, a member of the Armed Services Committee, for failing to question the war in Iraq.

"Many senators asked questions, many senators spoke out. Sen. Talent asked no questions and said nothing," complained McCaskill.

Some local voters say the Iraq war and the stem cell debate will bring people to the polls on Nov. 7.

"I think people have opinions toward the left [and are] very critical of the Republicans right now," said Chris Hrabe. "People are very critical of the war in Iraq, so I think that might shift things McCaskill's way."

Jason Hemphill said, "I would say Talent, but not by much. I think it's going to be a close race as most of the polls have been showing for quite some time now."

During Wedesday night's forum, McCaskill compared herself to former President Harry Truman because he once held the Senate seat she hopes to win.