[14] But in March of 1998, Wilson declined a bid, mostly to spend more time with family, but also due to fundraising troubles against Holden.

[15][16] Holden won the Democratic nomination and faced Republican Congressman Jim Talent in the general election.

[17] Holden suffered from low name recognition early in the race, but by late October had begun leading Talent by several points in the polls.

Later that year, when Holden called a special session, the legislature passed a bill, which created a new prescription drug benefit for seniors.

[31][32] This was short-lived because his veto was overridden by both the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate and the concealed-carry bill passed into law in 2003.

[33] Several Republican legislators who had initially voted against the bill, such as Michael Gibbons of Kirkwood, switched sides to override Holden's veto.

[39] Not helping matters, the state oversaw some 77,000 job losses in key industries due to the national recession.

[40] Holden did generally favor greater spending on state elementary and secondary education, but faced problems with raising funds.

[45] McCaskill based her campaign on the broad-based disgruntlement with Holden that prompted even some Democrats to call him by the unflattering moniker "OTB" (One Term Bob).

[46] However, Holden still had some support among the state establishment, and prominent backers in U.S. House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt and former U.S.

Their focus is on Trust Building efforts connecting government officials; business leaders; educational and community interests with like-minded institutions between the Heartland Region and the People’s Republic of China.

The Forum describes itself as "a bi-partisan speakers series that will bring Governors, Senators, presidential candidates and private sector public policy leaders to St. Louis and the Webster University Old Post Office campus.

[50] Holden endorsed and campaigned on behalf of Vice President Joe Biden in the Democratic primaries of the 2020 United States presidential election.