THERE IS MUCH TO LEARN ABOUT GOVERNOR'S RACE

Missourians are 14 months away from a primary election that will narrow the state's gubernatorial field. While it seems a good distance away and perhaps we would prefer to keep it so in our own minds strategies are being formed and positions taken that will set the tone for the coming campaign. Three high-profile Republicans, all state office holders, and two well-known Democrats, a state office holder and an urban mayor, are the most notable candidates preparing themselves to seek the governor's office. With the field already crowded and the candidates trying to find niches in which their messages will fit, Missouri voters need to be on their toes to sift through the often "similar but different" campaign themes.

The coming year will reveal numerous uncertainties but one thing is sure: Missouri will have a new governor in 1993. John Ashcroft will by that time have served two elected terms, the constitutional limit for state chief executives. Waiting in the wings is a group of highly qualified individuals who have spent the recent years of their careers grooming themselves for the governor's office. All have been appearing at various party and media gatherings and some early impressions of their candidacies are starting to emerge.

Wendell Bailey, Republican state treasurer, is trying to cultivate an image as a "country smart" money manager and hopes to attract grassroots GOP support.

Roy Blunt, Republican secretary of state, has no intention of waiting for the governor's signature on ethics legislation; he has established his own strict standards for accepting campaign contributions.

Mel Carnahan, Democratic lieutenant governor, has unveiled a "Star Trek" theme (his words) for his candidacy "to boldly go where no man has gone before." This advocacy is for a change in the way state government oper~ates.

Vincent Schoemehl Jr., Democratic mayor of St. Louis, is promoting himself as a proven budget cutter and coalition builder who helped lead the way to an urban renaissance in Missouri's largest city.

William Webster, Republican attorney general, has a strong political pedigree and has roamed the Capitol corridors since his youth. His state office has afforded him a high visibility in consumer litigation and landmark legal cases.

If nothing else, the 1992 governor's race should be compelling for its political dynamics. Among its features will be a pro-choice Republican and a budget-slashing Democrat. Abortion might emerge as a key issue ... or it may dissolve among other concerns. If an educational reform tax fails at the polls this November, schoolhouse issues might take on a greater significance in the gubernatorial campaign. Since 1992 is a presidential election year, the strengths and weaknesses of national candidates will naturally trickle down to have a state impact. Other candidates might enter the primary races, changing dramatically the nature of those contests.

Beyond those, there is a calendar reality: 14 months is a long time and candidacies have crumpled or soared in much less time.

It is an important job and there is a lot to learn about the people who are seeking it. The Missouri governor's race should be an interesting one.