Chris McDaniel

In the race to take Congressman Akin’s old seat, Republican Ann Wagner soundly trounced Democrat Glenn Koenen. At her election night party, Wagner said she got into this race because she was a “fed up mother.”

“And you know what? I think our country needs some tough love," Wagner told the crowd. "And I’m ready to deliver that – that I promise you.”

Wagner held her campaign party at the Frontenac Hilton, the same place as Republican gubernatorial candidate Dave Spence. But the two decided to hold their events in different ballrooms at the same hotel.

In a state that went overwhelmingly for Mitt Romney, Jay Nixon was re-elected to a second term as governor of Missouri.

His margin of victory wasn’t quite as large as 2008, but Nixon beat his Republican challenger Dave Spence by more than 10 points.

In an address to his supports at the Pageant in St. Louis, Nixon called his victory a result of voters putting the people’s business above petty politics.

"Missourians said because we've been able to work together, because we're putting the common good first, we are moving in the right direction," he said.

Four years ago, Missouri Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon was elected by 19 points: a landslide. But this time around, it may not be so easy for him. Some polls show St. Louis businessman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Dave Spence within striking distance of the Governor. The race has been personal at times, but it’s primarily been about one overarching issue: jobs.

Dave Spence owns a couple of plastics businesses. One of those businesses is Alpha Packaging.

Republican and Democratic candidates running for statewide office in Missouri are making one last push toward election day. 

Many of the down-ballot Republican candidates gathered this morning to thank and encourage volunteers who’ve been calling and knocking on doors.

Republican Candidate for Attorney General, Ed Martin, said Presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s substantial lead in Missouri is a good sign for state-wide GOP candidates.

It's the last Politically Speaking before the election. As always, St. Louis Public Radio’s Chris McDaniel joins Jo Mannies and Jason Rosenbaum from the St. Louis Beacon to discuss a few political issues.

On today’s podcast: We wrap up the Missouri Senate race with Congressman Todd Akin and Senator Claire McCaskill. We then talk about our impressions of turnout in general in the St. Louis area -- which is currently down according to absentee voting numbers. And finally, Jo gives us some trivia knowledge for some historic presidential races.