ASHCROFT BRINGS HIS SENATE BID TO TOWN

Monday morning was a kind of homecoming for John Ashcroft and a group of nearly 100 Cape Girardeau County Republicans.

Ashcroft, who has enjoyed strong support from Cape County during his political career that included two terms as attorney general and two terms as governor, came back Monday to announce he wants to return to public life as a U.S. senator.

Starting the second day of a three-day swing around the state to announce his candidacy, Ashcroft was warmly received by the large group -- most of whom he knew by name -- who turned out for the 7:30 a.m. announcement.

"I'm delighted to be here again," said Ashcroft, accompanied by his wife Janet. "Cape County is like a second home to me."

And while Ashcroft made some references to the past support he had been given in this county, the former governor seemed more intent on talking about the future rather than the past. And a major focus of his remarks was directed at the institution of Congress, which he contended needs reform that will make it more responsive.

"It's with the next generation in mind that I would approach the U.S. Senate," declared Ashcroft, adding that he has three children that will be entering the workforce by the year 2000.

Ashcroft maintained that in looking toward the future, it is essential Congress work to improve confidence in government, end reckless spending, get a handle on crime, eliminate welfare as a way of life, strengthen families, and ensure there is a strong military.

Ashcroft said his candidacy will be one that "insists on integrity; demands responsibility; and opens the doors of government to the common sense of the people."

He added, "The Democratic-controlled Congress has slammed the door of self government in our face. We need government that earns the trust of the American people, not acts as if it were entitled to it."

In his remarks, Ashcroft made no mention of his achievements from previous public service, and instead suggested he be judged by voters on the role he can play in helping shape the future of this nation.

Said Ashcroft, who has been practicing law in Clayton since leaving the governor's office in January of 1993: "The mere fact I was governor and attorney general does not qualify me to be your senator."

The only emphasis on his performance as governor came from State Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, who pointed out in an introduction that Ashcroft had delivered eight consecutive balanced budgets and left Missouri in sound financial condition.

Kinder said Ashcroft's's legacy is eight years of balanced budgets, a $120 million state surplus and $200 million in the state's Rainy Day Fund. Because of the money set aside for emergencies in the fund, Kinder said legislators were able to deal with last year's flooding without a tax increase.

Kinder added that during Ashcroft's administration, 338,000 new jobs were created.

Ashcroft said issues like a balanced budget amendment, line-item veto for the president, and term limits for members of Congress are all issues that the people have expressed support for, but have been ignored by Congress.

"We must develop a way for people and the states to propose amendments for congressional reform because we can't trust Congress to reform itself," said Ashcroft.

As senator, he would work for a new technique of amending the constitution. Under his plan, 35 states could submit a reform amendment for ratification, which he said would "reform the Congress from the people up."

Ashcroft said he wants to see the budget procedures simplified and vowed to work toward an end to political pork.

"We need to control spending and say no to things that are not in the best interests of tomorrow," said Ashcroft.

To deal with crime, Ashcroft said he supports swift and certain punishment for repeat offenders, and believes strongly in the death penalty as a deterrent.

"I believe prison works," he said. "Muggers, murderers and rapists aren't behind the next corner when they are behind bars instead."

Ashcroft stressed the importance of creating an environment that helps families stay together and recognizes the role of the family in having an orderly society. He supports flexible job arrangements and looks to the future when new technologies will allow parents to work at home "for the first time since families worked together side by side on the farm."

Ashcroft kicked off his campaign Sunday with stops in Springfield, Kansas City and St. Louis, where he spoke to about 1,000 people total.