ASHCROFT STRESSES YOUTH IN KICKOFF OF CAMPAIGN IN CAPE GIRARDEAU

Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Ashcroft ended a two-day statewide campaign kickoff in Cape Girardeau Thursday, promising an "issue-oriented, agenda focused campaign."

Ashcroft, who easily won the Republican nomination Tuesday against token opposition, met with a group of 60 supporters at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. About half of the group were youths not yet of voting age.

At all seven stops on the tour, Ashcroft has spoken to groups of young people to illustrate a theme of his campaign that when government makes decisions today, it affects the future of the nation's youth.

"This election should be about the future we want to build for our young people," said Ashcroft. "Our leaders should show the way and set an example for others to follow."

Ashcroft said decisions made today that increases the federal deficit only darken the future of young people, who someday will have to repay that debt.

But most of Ashcroft's comments Thursday were directed more at trying to define differences between himself and U.S. Rep. Alan Wheat, the Democratic Party nominee for the Senate seat.

John Lichtengegger, a Jackson attorney and longtime friend and supporter of Ashcroft's, said he views the race as offering voters a distinct difference in philosophy.

"In this election we really will have a clear liberal-versus-conservative campaign," said Lichtenegger. He said that as the conservative Ashcroft would fare well with Missouri voters.

Referring to a chart headed, "If You Want To Change Washington, Send New People There," Ashcroft outlined differences between his agenda and Wheat's record in Congress on issues like changing Congress, crime, welfare reform and job creation.

Ashcroft attempted to define Wheat as a Washington insider tied to special interests and not being in touch with the needs of all people in Missouri.

During his primary campaign, Ashcroft visited every county of Missouri and urged Wheat to do the same thing to demonstrate his willingness to represent everyone.

"Any candidate who intends to represent all Missourians in the Senate campaign should campaign in every county in the state," said Ashcroft. "It is the only way to demonstrate a personal commitment to representing all Missourians."

Ashcroft also repeated his challenge to Wheat to join him in televised debates to help Missouri voters focus on the issues.

During his eight years as governor, Ashcroft said 340,000 new jobs were created in the state. As senator, Ashcroft said he would work for job growth the same way he did as governor.

"I support job growth through restrained taxes and reasonable regulation," he said.