Senator Kit Bond decided to retire instead of seeking a fifth term.

Republican nominee Roy Blunt won the open seat.

[1] Carnahan and national Democrats heavily criticized Blunt for his support of bailouts, calling him "Bailout Blunt.

"[5] Blunt criticized her for supporting President Obama's stimulus package, the cap-and-trade energy bill, and the Affordable Care Act.

[9] Blunt was endorsed by the Quincy Herald-Whig[10] and the St. Joseph News-Press.