CANDIDATES FIND FAIR AN OCCASION FOR SHAKING HANDS, KISSING BABIES

As the Republican candidate for Missouri attorney general, Mark Bredemeier of Lee's Summit said it was worthwhile to travel over 300 miles to come to the SEMO District Fair.

"Everybody knows about this fair," Bredemeier said. "It's the place to be."

While most don't travel as far, political candidates were at the fair up until Saturday, the annual event's final day. Political hopefuls show up in droves, hoping that some of the 100,000 fair-goers take the time to stop and chat.

Candidates for the state General Assembly and for U.S. Congress were there along with county candidates for sheriff, public administrator and commissioner. Both major political parties had booths located between concession stands and game booths, each decorated with campaign signs and slogans. An array of buttons, signs and pamphlets were free for the taking.

After a quick introduction to one fair patron, Bredemeier went into campaign mode: "There's too much government, too many taxes and, if elected, I will bring more professionalism to the office of attorney general."

Inevitably, campaigns involve talking down the other guy. In this case, it's Jay Nixon, the Democratic incumbent.

"I hear Jay Nixon has a knack for grandstanding," Bredemeier said. "He likes to get his picture in the paper. I believe in a more professional attorney general's office."

Local officeholders and aspiring officeholders also realize how important campaigning at the fair can be.

"A lot of people seek the candidates out," said Republican Sheriff John Jordan. "The fair is a golden opportunity for candidates to see people and be seen. They want to know you're there and that you care."

Jordan said that he makes cordial conversation with fair-goers, introduces himself and talks about his job as sheriff of Cape Girardeau County.

"Just giving people a few minutes of your time means a lot to them," he said.

Democrat Ben Hinton is vying for Jordan's position as sheriff. He said he likes being associated with such an honorable event.

"It's a well-established, nice family fair," Hinton said. "You can meet a large number of people in a small area. There's no way you can get 20,000 people in one place like this."

Hinton said it's a superb place to have one-on-one basic talks and helps those who may not have decided whom to vote for.

"It gives both candidates and voters a good perspective," Hinton said. "There's no other way to get this kind of exposure."

Public Administrator John Ferguson said his favorite part of campaigning at the fair is meeting people.

"People come to see the fair, not to be harassed by politicians," Ferguson said. "I try to chat with them briefly and let them know what I'm all about."

Voters are interested in what kind of job the candidates are doing and how are they going to improve their lives, Ferguson said.

"I believe people are smart," Ferguson said. "You can try to pull one over on them if you want, but they can see right through that. It's better just to be straight with them."

Political hopeful Max Stovall, a candidate for county commissioner in the Second District, said a lot of people from his district attend the fair. He was there several days.

"I've been telling them that I think I can help make it a better place to live," Stovall said. "I tell people about the job and how I'd be good at it."

The fair wrapped up Saturday night, culminating with a concert by Tracey Lawrence.

Pete Poe, vice president of the SEMO District Fair Association, said the fair organizers are especially pleased at the turnout this year.

He said nearly 100,000 people came

(to the fair over the week, about 10,000 more than last year.)