CARNAHAN: BE OPTIMISTIC, NOT COMPLACENT; GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE TELLS COUNTY DEMOCRATS NOT TO TAKE ELECTION FOR GRANTED

Lt. Gov. Mel Carnahan told a gathering of Cape Girardeau County Democrats Friday they should be optimistic, but also cautioned them not to take this election for granted.

"It is a time for optimism. It is always a great time to be a Democrat, but it is a particularly good time to be a Democrat in 1992 because we are going to win," said Carnahan, the party's nominee for governor.

"The people's attitudes are right ... they are ready for change. It's just plain out there for us to have it, but we just can't let up," said Carnahan.

"I want to change this state. I'm tired of ~do-nothing government."

Carnahan joined other area candidates at a rally Friday evening at Sands Pancake House, hosted by Orval Thorne, owner of the restaurant and the Democratic candidate for county treasurer.

More than 75 people showed up for the event. Later, Carnahan attended a fundrasier at the home of Cape Girardeau attorney Don Dickerson.

If elected governor, Carnahan stressed his priorities would be for a dramatic increase in education and an effort to create jobs. Unlike past administrations, Carnahan promised his jobs program would focus on helping existing businesses grow rather than bringing new ones into the state.

He also pledged to reform state government as governor so that it will be able to respond to needs of citizens at a time when available revenues are decreasing.

Carnahan attacked Attorney General Bill Webster, his Republican opponent, for his handling of the Second Injury Fund and charged that other revelations have made it clear that "he's abused his office.

"The worst kind of government is when you give preferential treatment," he said.

Carnahan added, "I not only got the honor of being the nominee of the Democratic party, I got my choice of opponent."

Carnahan complained that Webster has not run any positive ads in the fall campaign; the Democrat said he has run positive ads and those critical of Webster are not negative, but only efforts to expose Webster's record.

"We have a wonderful ticket in 1992 ... we are in a position to work strength to strength," summed up Carnahan.

Betty Hearnes, the Democratic candidate for state senator, urged Democrats to rally behind her and said by electing a Republican to the 27th District seat, "You will be giving up your chairmanship of any committee and the chance to have a real voice for SEMO University."

Hearnes contended that Democrats can run well in Cape Girardeau County and this senatorial district. She suggested that in discussing the Senate race with friends, people consider the issue of experience.

"Look folks, we've got to have somebody in this seat who has got the experience to do the job," said Hearnes.

State Rep. Larry Thomason of Kennett spoke on behalf of the Clinton-Gore ticket, telling Democrats if they are ready for change and an end to "trickle down economics," they need to work hard for the Democratic ticket.

Tom McMahon, coordinator of the Democratic campaign in Southeast Missouri, stressed the need for all Democrats to be involved the final days of the campaign to ensure victory.

"We have a strong ticket from top to bottom. There is no reason for anyone to be ashamed to vote Democratic this year," said McMahon.

Eighth District Congressional Candidate Thad Bullock predicted Democrats would vote straight tickets because of the strong ticket. Bullock promised Carnahan "90,000 votes minimum and maybe 100,000 votes" in the 8th District.

John Grimm, a Cape Girardeau attorney, spoke on behalf of Treasurer Candidate Bob Holden.

Other candidates who attended the rally were Thorne; Mitch Herod, the candidate for public administrator; Pete Statler, running for judge in the 32nd Circuit; and George Cox, running for 1st District associate commissioner.

Everyone who spoke echoed the same theme - urging Democrats to work hard, spread the message, and take nothing for granted.