<p>Two matters that touch everyone - death and taxes - are merging into one potentially powerful issue in this year's Missouri contest for the U.S. Senate.</p>
<p>Sen. Jean Carnahan, D-Mo., and her chief Republican rival, former Rep. Jim Talent, are sparring over her recent votes regarding estate taxes. He says she voted against "permanent estate tax relief," which the state Republican Party says proves that Carnahan's a liberal. She says she does support estate tax relief for most Missourians, and accuses Republicans of intentionally misinterpreting her votes.</p>