ASHCROFT KICKS OFF BID FOR U.S. SENATE

After spending just over a year in private life, former Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft says he is refreshed, has a new perspective on things and anxious to begin a vigorous campaign for the United States Senate.

"It has been a great therapy for me to have that exposure to things in the real world," said Ashcroft, calling from a car telephone while heading down I-44. "I hope this campaign will be a good learning experience.

"I have a certain sense of eagerness to get started but I'm still working to support my family. If I don't do work, I don't get compensated."

Since leaving the governor's office in January of 1993, Ashcroft came up short in a bid to become Republican National Chairman and then joined a Clayton law firm. His specialty in the firm has been assisting small businesses.

"The last year has been real valuable teaching and acquainting me to the challenges small businesses face and working with small and medium companies," said Ashcroft.

The former governor has been laying the groundwork for a Senate bid for nearly a year. He emerged as a frontrunner after Sen. John Danforth announced he would retire after 18 years in the Senate.

His campaign finance disclosure report filed with the Federal Election Commission at the end of the year, showed Ashcroft with receipts of $830,225. Of that amount, $745,415 was raised since July 1.

Ashcroft will formally launch his campaign today, with a three-day swing around the state. He will start in his hometown of Springfield and then head to Kansas City and St. Louis.

On Monday, he will be in Cape Girardeau for a 7:30 a.m. announcement at the Holiday Inn.

Ashcroft's career in public office began in 1973 when then Gov. Kit Bond appointed him to fill out the remainder of his term as state auditor. After losing his race for the office in 1974, Ashcroft was elected attorney general in 1976 and re-elected in 1980. He then served two terms as governor, becoming only the second person in Missouri history to serve consecutive terms as the state's chief executive.

During his campaign, Ashcroft says he plans to discuss a variety of things, including the "need for a Congress that responds to the people. We will talk about a number of things like national defense, tax issues, regulatory issues and children and families.

Ashcroft believes Congress has gone through a period of "overindulgence" which has led to huge deficits and inaction on major issues facing the nation.

"People want criminals locked up, but the only thing it locks up is the crime bill," declared Ashcroft.

"I will have some special suggestions about reforming Congress, because Congress has not responded to the people," said Ashcroft. "Congress has slammed the door on things like the balanced budget amendment, term limits, and line item veto for the president. But those are things that limit the power of Congress."

Ashcroft said as a member of the Senate he will push for a constitutional amendment that will make it easier for states to initiate congressional reform amendments. Currently states have the authority to request a constitutional convention, but many experts believe such a convention could not be limited to a specific purpose and could leave the entire constitution up for revision.

"Right now, Congress is willing to send amendments to the states for all kinds of things, but nothing to limit the power of Congress," remarked Ashcroft.

His decision to run for the Senate is based on his concern about the future, Ashcroft said.

"My whole point of this is the future. I've got three kids joining the workforce by the year 2000 and there are decisions being made now that will determine whether we have poverty or prosperity in the years ahead," he added. "Those serious decisions are what impels me to be involved in this race; I want those decisions to be made in favor of the future."

Ashcroft is the only major Republican candidate expected to enter the Senate race. Among the Democratic candidates are: U.S. Rep. Alan Wheat of Kansas City; Jackson County Executive Marsha Murphy; State Rep. Steve Carroll of Hannibal; and Jerry Ortbals, a former aide to Gov. Joe Teasdale and now an attorney in St. Louis.