BOND, OTHER CANDIDATES TO HEADLINE LINCOLN DAY

U.S. Sen. Christopher S. Bond and three statewide officials vying for the party's nomination for governor will be featured at the 1992 Cape Girardeau County Republican Lincoln Day on March 14.

The event, sponsored by the county Republican Women's Club, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Arena Building. This Lincoln Day is one of the largest annual GOP events in the state, drawing between 500 and 600 people.

Bond, who is seeking re-election this year to a second term in the Senate, will be the featured speaker. Bond served two years as state auditor and two terms as governor before winning his Senate seat six years ago.

Also highlighting the program are Secretary of State Roy Blunt, State Treasurer Wendell Bailey, and Attorney General William Webster, who are in a hotly contested race for the Republican nomination for governor.

Republican Gov. John Ashcroft is prohibited by the constitution from seeking a third term.

None of the five statewide officeholders on the ballot this year are seeking re-election, which means there is a big field of candidates.

Venita Reynolds, chairman of Lincoln Day, said Monday they have received a good response from Republican candidates and expect to have many of the statewide hopefuls in attendance.

Reynolds said that all of the candidates will have a brief opportunity to address the crowd. She said she anticipates another large crowd this year, with Republicans coming from all over Southeast Missouri.

A buffet style meal will be served, and the deadline for purchasing tickets is Tuesday.

Reynolds said many people who normally attend Lincoln Day have been contacted by mail about the event, and need to return ticket money right away.

Tickets may also be ordered by calling Carolyn King, the Lincoln Day ticket chairman, at 334-6492. Tickets are $8 each.

John Bradshaw will serve as master of ceremonies for the program.