BOND OUTLINES PRIORITIES FOR HIS NEW TERM IN SENATE

U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond said Thursday his top priorities in the new term will be legislation to strengthen the nation's economic health and working toward eliminating the federal deficit.

"The deficit and national debt are anchors around our necks, and unless they are seriously addressed now our standard of living will decline, our competitiveness will erode, and our children's future will be bleak," said Bond.

"Creating jobs and strengthening our economy will be my top priority throughout my term," he said.

"The American people sent a strong message on Nov. 3 that they want action, not political posturing," said Bond. "I intend to work with all sides in Washington, regardless of party, to see that we get this economy back on track and Missourians back to work."

Speaking with reporters at an airport news conference, the Republican senator said he would also focus efforts on legislation to keep families together, reform of health care, and developing a strong agriculture policy.

All of those issues were focal points of Bond's re-election campaign. He bucked a strong Democratic tide in Missouri to capture 52 percent of the vote against St. Louis County Councilwoman Geri Rothman-Serot and a Libertarian candidate.

Bond sidestepped questions about which national Republican figures best represent the direction the GOP should be headed. Bond said only that he wanted the party to focus on sound economic policy and addressing issues like health care, a strong national defense, helping families and education.

"We need good, sound performance," said Bond.

However, Bond did say that he "is a strong supporter" of efforts to make Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft Republican national chairman. Ashcroft succeeded Bond as governor in 1985 and will be leaving office in January.

In the November general election all five statewide offices went Democratic, the first time that has happened since 1964. Bond said he is committed to helping the Missouri Republican Party rebuild. He said as governor he worked hard for the party.

"I have talked with State Chairman Tom Fowler to offer my help in fund-raising," said Bond. "We still have an excellent grassroots organization in this state."

Bond maintained that the ability to mobilize and utilize the party's grassroots connections enabled him to retain his Senate seat and will enable the party to rebound.

Bond declined to speculate on what led to the GOP downfall in Missouri, other than to point out that Bill Clinton carried the state by a wide margin, which provided coattails to other statewide Democrats.

Asked to describe the condition of the Missouri Republican Party, Bond said: "It took a hit. It took quite a hit." When asked about who was at fault, Bond refused to point a finger. "That's not my game," he replied.

In outlining ways to reduce the deficit, Bond called for a balanced-budget amendment and line-item-veto authority for the president. Bond said he was concerned that president-elect Clinton might propose massive spending programs to stimulate the economy on a short-term basis, which might increase the deficit.

But Bond said he was pleased with some of Clinton's comments, including recognition of a need to deal with the deficit, to develop a strong economy for long-term growth that will compete in the global market, and his emphasis on children and family issues.

Bond said last year there was a bipartisan effort in Congress working toward deficit reduction and he is hopeful that will increase this year with a Democratic president and many new members.

Under current law, Bond said the president has very little power over the budget deficit. Bond supports giving the president the authority to set maximum spending levels in all 19 categories of the federal budget and, should Congress exceed that level in its appropriation, giving the president line-item veto power.

"We need external discipline on Congress," said Bond.

While he was governor, Bond said the state legislature often was unable to agree on spending and sent a budget that exceeded revenue projections. But he said he had the power and responsibility to bring it into line with cuts. The president needs the same kind of authority, Bond said.

Bond said he will continue to work with West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller to enact a bipartisan Family Investment Act, which includes the Bond family and medical leave proposal approved during the last session but vetoed by President Bush.

The act also includes a parents-as-teachers plan begun in Missouri when Bond was governor.

"Family preservation makes great sense in terms of sound policy," said Bond. "Our children are our future. Programs that ensure their health, safety and nutrition are the best investments we can make with federal dollars."

In the area of agriculture, Bond said farmers must "have access on a free and fair basis to markets abroad." He also supports passage of the Wetlands Simplification Act.

Bond said he will continue his efforts to overhaul the nation's health care systems, reintroducing his bills to streamline the current payment system and ensure affordable health care to Americans.

Reflecting on his victory, Bond said he was surprised that Clinton had a 13 percentage-point advantage over Bush. Six months ago Bond said he would not have believed he could overcome a 13-point edge by Clinton.

Bond said he had a good campaign, a good record to run on, and knew he was running ahead, but was concerned about the way Clinton was running in Missouri and the possibility of straight-ticket voting by Democrats.