Backed by a couple dozen Republican legislators, former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent said today he will be the “honorary chairman” of the GOP House and Senate campaign efforts.

“It means you help out as much as you can, but you don’t control anything,” Talent told reporters at a Capitol news conference.

Talent said he will help candidates in contested races with fundraising and campaigning. He said he would not campaign against any candidate and would focus on the “big picture” issues that highlight GOP accomplishments.

Citing a turnaround in the state’s finances, Talent said of the current Republican crop: “It was a difficult situation, and they turned it around very quickly.”

Talent is the first person to hold the honorary chairman title in recent memory. House Majority Leader Steven Tilley, R-Perryville, and Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, will remain as chairmen of their respective campaign committees.

A state representative from 1984-1992, Talent said he also wants to raise the interest level in state government.

“Over the years, I’ve seen how state legislative races can get lost in the shuffle,” he said. “That’s bad for the people. These are huge issues.”

Talent said he would not endorse anyone in the Republican gubernatorial primary.