CATTLE FARMER MAKES HIS FIRST RUN FOR OFFICE: DURNELL CHALLENGES EMERSON IN PRIMARY

After watching what he believes has been a slow decline in the economic health of the nation over the last dozen years, E. Earl Durnell holds Congress accountable and is trying to do his part to change things by unseating U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson.

"Congress has betrayed the trust of the American people and they are mad at Democrats and Republicans alike," said Durnell. "This is the year incumbents can be beat." He will face Emerson in the Republican primary Tuesday.

Durnell, 56, who has a cattle ranch near Cabool in Howell County, is making his first run for public office. He has shared his views on public issues through a weekly column in the Springfield Daily News.

"I'm having fun; it's stimulating," said Durnell of his first campaign.

"This has not been a spur of the moment thing. I have been watching the decline in the health of our nation from an economic standpoint, education standpoint; everything has deteriorated so badly that in January I felt an effort should be made to try and draw attention to this terrible decline."

In particular, Durnell is incensed about the climbing national debt. He points out that in 1962 the debt was $305.9 billion and today it is $4 trillion.

"There is absolutely no reason for that," said Durnell. "It is a lack of leadership in Congress and a lack of economic comprehension. This is why people are tired of Congress."

To restore credibility, Durnell believes Congress must impose term limits, rollback its recent pay raise, and cut congressional benefits by 25 percent.

Durnell views the deficit as the biggest problem facing the nation and 8th district, and sees it directly related to many other problems.

The best way to deal with the deficit, he noted, is to develop programs to provide more jobs.

To stimulate the economy and balance the budget, Durnell proposes freezing all programs at 1991-92 spending levels, cut foreign aid back to almost nothing, and invest the peace dividend in education and the infrastructure. He also supports capping entitlements.

Rather than make drastic cuts, Durnell supports a freeze in spending, otherwise there will be a negative impact on the economy. "It's like driving down the road and you find yourself headed toward a ditch. You have to gradually ease it back on the road; if you do a 180 degree whip, you will crash," said Durnell.

The candidate said he favors using tax incentives to stimulate growth and create new jobs that will provide new revenues that will help balance the budget.

Durnell favors a balanced budget amendment.

"I don't think Congress has the courage and backbone to balance it. They are too concerned about their political base," he observed.

Durnell said he is opposed to national health insurance. "I still feel the private sector, over the long haul, is vastly superior to any socialistic program," he said.

"I would try to perfect what we've got rather than go to a whole new approach."

Providing aid to the Soviet Union could get the United States involved in "a bottomless pit," said Durnell. With the large debt, Durnell feels the only thing the U.S. can really afford to give is "advice."

Any efforts directed at aiding the Soviets should go through the United Nations, and involve direct help from Japan and Germany, said Durnell.

On abortion, Durnell calls himself "pro-life" and would support a constitutional amendment banning abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the life of the mother.

Comparing himself with Emerson, Durnell said: "I offer the people ideas and solutions that are workable. Bill Emerson offers nothing.

"If people want more of the same, they've got Bill Emerson. But if they want somebody who is not a career politician, but someone fearful of what will happen to this nation if we don't turn things around, they want me. It all boils down to that.

"The problem I have is whether an unknown challenger can get his message out."

Durnell expects to spend around $50,000 during the primary election campaign. "I won't have near as much money as Bill Emerson, but I do think I will have enough funds the last two weeks to present myself in a dignified way through the media," said Durnell.

If elected, Durnell said he would work to reduce the influence of political action committees and try to diminish the impact of money on political campaigns.