ASHCROFT AND EMERSON ATTACK CRIME BILL

Former Missouri governor John Ashcroft and U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson lashed out Saturday night at the crime bill and the politics of "pork."

Ashcroft, who is running for the U.S. Senate, and Emerson were among about 540 candidates, political leaders and supporters who attended a Republican rally and barbecue held at the A.C. Brase Arena Building in Cape Girardeau. Local political leaders at the rally included State Reps. Mary Kasten and David Schwab, and State Sen. Peter Kinder.

The U.S. Senate approved a $30 billion crime bill Thursday. The House previously approved the legislation.

Speaking to reporters, Ashcroft said the bill included "outrageous pork," such as $10 million for Lamar University in Texas and money for graffiti painters.

Ashcroft noted that U.S. Rep. Jack Brooks, D-Texas, in whose district Lamar University is situated, had indicated that the "pork sure tasted good."

Emerson, who is running for re-election, said there is no "truth in labeling" as it relates to the crime bill.

The Cape Girardeau Republican, who voted against the crime bill, said the measure will do little to reduce crime and that banning assault-style weapons isn't the answer.

Emerson said a better solution would be mandatory sentences for those who use guns in committing crimes.

The legislation adds to the list of federal crimes for which a death sentence can be imposed. But Emerson said the federal government hasn't carried out an execution in 18 years. That has been left up to the states.

He said the legislation may put 20,000 additional cops on the nation's streets, far short of the 100,000 figure trumpeted by the bill's supporters.

Ultimately, the states and cities will be saddled with the personnel costs, Emerson said.

The congressman said he isn't against midnight basketball programs, but he questioned the wisdom of the federal government paying for them.

Ashcroft hammered away at his Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Alan Wheat, painting him as soft on crime.

He said Wheat voted against legislation to require violent felons serve at least 85 percent of their sentences and life imprisonment for three-time sex offenders.