For further evidence of the national importance of Missouri's U.S. Senate race, consider this:

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is asking former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (pictured here during a 2008 Missouri campaign stop)  to consider weighing in.

In a bit of political mischief, the DSCC is suggesting that Palin consider taking sides in the potential GOP primary, by endorsing U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt of Springfield or state Sen. Chuck Purgason of Caulfield, Mo.

And it's clear that the DSCC is rooting for Purgason (left), who's a favorite of some social conservatives, but has admitted that he's a longshot.

In an e-mailed release Monday of a mock letter to Palin, DSCC communications director Eric Schultz writes:

Dear Governor Palin,

The pictures from your book tour look terrific. It must be very convenient that your tour takes you through some of the country’s important swing states. In fact, I noticed that you will be in Missouri next week. Missouri is home to a competitive Senate race, with either Congressman Roy Blunt or state Senator Chuck Purgason to face off against Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.  I’m sure you are familiar with Congressman Blunt’s record as the consummate Washington insider, the same type of  special-interested dominated networks you talk about fighting against in Alaska.

Blunt served for years as Majority Whip in the House of Representatives, during which he was Tom DeLay’s right hand man.  Blunt and DeLay were responsible for advancing a right-wing agenda of reckless government spending, which placed the priorities of special interests over those of average Americans.  Blunt is still a creature of the special interests, with USA Today listing Blunt as the top federal recipient of lobbyist money in 2009.  Blunt’s inner circle includes lobbyists for many corporate interests.  On the other hand, Chuck Purgason is comfortable in his own skin as a Missouri grassroots, fiscal conservative who has made it clear he’s willing to challenge the establishment.

Your stop in Springfield next week would be the perfect setting to give your blessing to either Blunt or Purgason.  With the NY-23 special election over, many are now looking to other Republican primaries across the country to find out what direction the Republican Party will take.  With Blunt struggling to attract 50% against Chuck Purgason and recent reports indicating that Purgason is looking for the Club for Growth to support his candidacy, we would like to know if the Republican Party will continue to nominate retreads and Washington insiders, or will the party “go rogue” and field anti-establishment candidates willing to buck party leaders? With so much at stake, everyone wants to know – who will you endorse in the Missouri Senate race?

P.S.

If you need any more information on Blunt or Purgason, their websites are below

Roy Blunt - www.royblunt.com

Chuck Purgason - http://www.keepyourchange2010.org/