DANNER HOPING FOR WIN

Democratic State Auditor Candidate Steve Danner stopped in Cape Girardeau Monday as part of a final statewide campaign swing he hopes will bring him victory Nov. 8.

Although he concedes polls show him trailing 10-year Republican incumbent Margaret Kelly, Danner said polling data also show that as voters get to know both candidates many are supporting him.

"The polls show that where people know Steve Danner and Margaret Kelly, I win," he said. "It is just a matter now of getting my name out as voters begin to focus on this race."

He points out that nearly a third of the voters are undecided in recent polls, and he is confident his message will draw votes.

Danner said he has been talking issues in the campaign, such as bringing a business management emphasis to the office, providing more help for local officials with audit reports, and completing audits in a more timely manner.

He characterized Kelly as a "watchdog that won't bark," and charged she has missed all major state government scandals during her time in office.

A key focus of his tour Monday was to criticize Kelly for failing to take a position on Amendment 7, and to announce his endorsement by the Fraternal Order of Police.

"I challenge Margaret Kelly to say where she stands on Amendment 7," he said. "People should know how she stands on this very important issue. I have made it clear that I am opposed to it."

Earlier this fall, Danner declined to take a stand, but said Monday after the amendment's impact became clear, he felt compelled to oppose it.

One reason he opposed it was because of its impact on law enforcement, Danner said.

It could force two prisons to be closed and 2,800 prisoners released, and force a cut in the number of highway patrol officers, he said.

Danner said his opposition to Amendment 7 and record in the Missouri Senate on crime prevention legislation, led the Fraternal Order of Police to endorse him.

The group has also endorsed Democratic Senate Candidate Alan Wheat, who has also opposes Amendment 7.

Last year, a truth-in-sentencing law, sponsored by Danner, passed the General Assembly and was signed into law.

Danner said Missouri needs an auditor willing to take tough stands.

"The auditor has got to be willing to use the office as a bully pulpit to get people's attention when they are wasting the taxpayers' money," he said.

"You've got to be tough and independent to do that, and Margaret Kelly is neither."