DANFORTH WILL NOT PURSUE A FOURTH TERM; ANNOUNCEMENT COMES AS BIG SURPRISE TO AREA REPUBLICANS

U.S. Sen. John Danforth's surprise announcement Monday that he would not seek re-election in 1994 shocked area supporters of the veteran politician.

Most Republicans anticipated that the man, who is regarded as the father of the modern Missouri GOP, would seek a fourth term in two years.

"It's shocking. I didn't even think he was considering it," said Gerald Jones, publisher of the Jackson Cashbook Journal and an active supporter of Danforth since his first campaign in 1968.

"He has served with great integrity and loyalty, and Republicans are very proud of him," added Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, who also expressed shock at Danforth's announcement.

Eighth District U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson of Cape Girardeau, who is being mentioned as a possible candidate for Danforth's seat, praised Danforth and said Missouri has benefited from his leadership.

"The State of Missouri has indeed been fortunate to have had the vision and leadership of this great man for 26 years, and we are the better for it," said Emerson. "Jack Danforth was the driving force behind the success of the Republican Party in Missouri over the last 25 years. It was his dream in the late '60s to build a strong two-party system in the state and, in that goal, he has been ultimately successful."

Emerson noted with pride that not only is Danforth a friend, but he is a constituent of his in the 8th District. Danforth's voting residence is in the Rolla area.

"The citizens of Missouri had the foresight and trust to send a man of Jack's integrity and intellect to a deliberative body such as the United States Senate, known for its careful and thorough deliberation of the issues and concerns which face our great nation," declared Emerson.

"No man more embodies these qualities than Jack, and the Senate is a better place because of his work there."

Several noted that Danforth was responsible for getting many young people involved in government service.

One of those was Peter Kinder, who was elected to the Missouri Senate last year. Kinder got to know Danforth during the summer of 1972, when just out of high school he was hired to work on Danforth's campaign for re-election as attorney general.

"We've been close ever since," said Kinder. "He inspired a couple generations of Missourians to enter public service, including me."

Kinder heard Danforth's press conference on KMOX Radio Monday while driving to Jefferson City. Danforth was a guest of KMOX's Bob Hardy on an "open line," and Kinder called from his car phone to praise the senator.

Kinder said Danforth made "a very classic statement," done in a way that has typified his entire career.

"Jack Danforth made Missouri into a two-party state by his courageous leadership through the years. I have not always agreed with every stand he took, but I and all other Missourians owe him a huge debt for his exemplary public service," said Kinder.

When he heard of Danforth's decision Monday morning, Kinder said he was "shocked."

"I thought he was going to run again, but it does make sense that he would want to move on to another stage in his life. He is a man of principle and public service; he sees other avenues for public service."

Cape County Collector Harold Kuehle recalls meeting Danforth for the first time when he came to a meeting of Young Republicans in his first race for attorney general. Kuehle also recalled that Danforth was the one who encouraged him in 1972 to run for secretary of state - a race he lost.

"I think he's been a good senator. I didn't always agree with him, but one thing about John Danforth is you always knew where he stood. In politics, and in life, that's an admirable trait," said Kuehle. "We will miss him as a senator and a leader of Missouri."

Cape County Auditor H. Weldon Macke said Danforth "has been a real leader for Missouri."

Jones, who has been Southeast Missouri coordinator for Danforth's last three Senate races, met Danforth through the Missouri Jaycees. In his 1968 race, Danforth was calling on members of the Jaycees for help. Former Federal Communications Commission chairman Al Sikes, who was active in several Danforth campaigns, got Jones involved while the two were holding statewide Jaycee offices.

"I think he's been a very good and powerful senator. That's why you hate to see a guy of that stature, who has the honesty and integrity that he does, retire from public service," said Jones. "But with the term limitation feeling of Missourians, I can see where he would want to look at other options and another career."

Jones conceded that some people are still angry at Danforth over his vote to return the Panama Canal, but, overall, he believes most Missourians have a high regard for the senator. Jones said Danforth has provided strong leadership as the chairman and ranking Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee.

"It is unfortunate for Missourians and people of the United States to lose Jack Danforth," said Jones. "He has readily developed into a national figure - a statesman that represents more than just people in Missouri."

While Jones was surprised by the announcement, he pointed out that Danforth was driven by more than politics. "He believes in certain things awful strongly and politics is not the most important thing to him," Jones observed.

Macke said that if Danforth is ready to move on to other things, he believes there are plenty of others anxious to step in and offer new ideas. "New ideas and new thoughts are always good for the country," said Macke. "They are not always to our liking, but sometimes new thinking can make things better."

Kasten added, "I'm sure there are people who have had their eyes on that position for sometime. His expertise will be missed, but I'm sure there are others eager to take his place.

"I didn't always agree with his decisions, but I knew the decisions he made were not made for self interests but rather for the good of the country."

Most agree that former governor John Ashcroft is the most likely Republican candidate to succeed Danforth.

Danforth's retirement comes at a time when the Republican Party he rejuvenated in 1968 is faced with a rebuilding effort. Last November, all five statewide offices were won by Democrats, making it the worst election performance by Missouri Republicans in 28 years.

"It's the end of an era," summed up Kuehle of Danforth's announcement. "But that's life. That's what happens. It will make us as a party get leaner and meaner, and help make people wake up that you just can't live on past records."