FIREBAUGH: COATTAILS COULD BRING HER WIN IN STATE'S 8TH DISTRICT

Democrat Emily Firebaugh says the political coattails of President Clinton and Gov. Mel Carnahan could propel her to victory in the 8th District congressional race.

Firebaugh spoke at a reception for state Senate candidate Rick Althaus. About 50 local Democrats turned out for the event at a Cape Girardeau restaurant Friday night.

Firebaugh said Clinton and Carnahan have proven they are champions for America's working families.

"Your candidates have worked hard," she said. "On Tuesday, you must get out to vote. It is your job."

Cape Girardeau was the final stop in a seven-city campaign swing Friday for Firebaugh.

Carnahan's wife, Jean, and daughter, Robin, accompanied Firebaugh on the campaign trip.

Jean Carnahan said she felt good about her husband's chances of winning re-election.

She said Thursday's indictment of former Missouri House speaker Bob Griffin, a Democrat, probably won't have any significant impact on statewide races.

She said most Missourians weren't surprised by the indictment. She said corruption should be stamped out regardless of politics.

Jean Carnahan said Republicans this election year have run mean-spirited campaigns that have been full of negative ads. "I just turn off the TV and don't listen to it," she said.

She said voters should consider the importance of keeping the offices of governor and lieutenant governor in the hands of the Democrats.

She said it has been awkward in the past when the positions have been held by different parties.

Missouri voters often vote split tickets today, she said. Both Democratic and Republican candidates must appeal to the independent voters to get elected.

Robin Carnahan had a few words of encouragement for the party faithful. "It is kind of like preaching to the choir," she said.

She said Missouri has benefited from her father's administration. Unemployment statewide stands at 3.9 percent, the lowest in 17 years, she said.

There are 35,000 fewer people on the welfare rolls than four years ago, she said.

Althaus told the crowd that he has run a solid, positive campaign in his bid to unseat incumbent Republican state Sen. Peter Kinder in the 27th Senate District.

Althaus said he views government as a tool to benefit people while Kinder sees government as being "more malevolent."

State government, he said, must meet the needs of an increasingly aging population.

Althaus said he is concerned about domestic violence. He said there needs to be increased access to safe houses for victims and stricter punishment for those who commit domestic violence.