DEMOCRATS RALLY TO REMEMBER CARNAHAN LEGACY

Members and supporters of the Democratic Party gathered at Mollie's Cafe and Bar in downtown Cape Girardeau Sunday evening for a tribute to former Gov. Mel Carnahan and a partisan get-out-the-vote rally.

About 60 people attended the rally, including Secretary of State candidate Steve Gaw and other local candidates.

Representatives of the Cape Girardeau County Central Democratic Committee said the state Democratic Committee encouraged counties throughout Missouri to sponsor similar events Sunday night.

Carnahan, who was a candidate for the U.S. Senate, and his son, Roger, and an aide died Oct. 16 after the airplane they were flying in crashed on its way to New Madrid, Mo. Carnahan's name remains on the ballot, and a move is afoot to appoint Carnahan's widow, Jean, to the Senate if Carnahan receives more votes Tuesday than his opponent, incumbent Republican Sen. John Ashcroft.

Gaw said he had been campaigning in the Cape Girardeau area and decided to stop in at Mollie's for the rally.

He recalled hearing a story that Carnahan used to start a fire at his home in the mornings and tell his family to keep the fire going.

"I think that's what we're doing here tonight," he said, gesturing to a small bon fire organizers had burning in the Mollie's courtyard. "We're keeping the legacy alive."

Tom Neumeyer, chairman of the county committee and a candidate for the 158th state representative seat, said organizers felt the rally was needed to help encourage voters to go to the polls Tuesday.

"This is a very critical year," Neumeyer said. "We're down here to build some camaraderie. Things are coming together well. There's a spirit of synergy."