Two familiar figures to rural Missourians hit the campaign trail for Sen. Barack Obama this week. Former U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan and Betty Ann McCaskill, mother of U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill made stops in St. Clair, Sullivan, Cuba, Rolla, St. Roberts, Lebanon, Marshfield, and Springfield.

            Carnahan said that Senator McCain intends to make "major reductions to Medicare and Medicaid," according to an article this week in the Wall Street Journal. That is a frightening prospect to seniors, the sick and disabled in Missouri," she said. "McCain has also called for deregulating the health industry much like we have the banking industry," she said, "and taxing your employer-based health benefits for the first time ever."

            "Barack Obama's health plan would lower costs, and ensure affordable and accessible health coverage to all, including those with pre-existing conditions," she said.

           "I believe that Sen. Obabma is the president we need now for the changes we want," Carnahan said during her visit with local voters. "People know that we are going in the wrong direction when they see their life savings dry up, gas prices soar, jobs shipped overseas, and healthcare costs skyrocket."

            Carnahan said she cam out in support of Obama after two of her children got involved. "Elections are about the future," she said, "and sometimes we need to listen to our kids and grandkids vote what is best for them."

            Betty Ann McCaskill, who always delights audiences with her homespun humor and straight talk said, "As an 80-year-old, lifelong Missourian, I am supporting Barack Obama because I don't want Social Security privatized and threatened by the stock market. And I know that Barack Obama supports good Democratic programs like Medicare and veterans' benefits."

            The two were joined on the tour by Sen. McCaskill's sister, Anne.