HOPEFULS RALLY GOP FAITHFUL

Missouri's leading Republicans flew into Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Monday afternoon as part of a final six-city tour across the state to energize their constituents to vote.

A crowd of about 170 greeted the candidates who are running for state offices. Several Republican officeholders from throughout the region also came to the rally.

The 30-minute rally featured several speakers, including U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and former state Rep. Mary Kasten of Cape Girardeau.

"We have felt the momentum all day," said Ann Wagner, chairwoman of the Missouri Republican Party.

"Now all we have to do is go out and finish the job," said candidate for governor U.S. Rep. Jim Talent.

The rally was punctuated by short speeches from all the Republican Party candidates for state offices, along with U.S. Sens. Kit Bond and John Ashcroft.

Republican candidates at the rally included Wendell Bailey, candidate for lieutenant governor; Matt Blunt, candidate for secretary of state; Todd Graves, candidate for state Treasurer; and Sam Jones, candidate for attorney general.

The group of candidates running for state and federal office started the day at a 7 a.m. breakfast rally in Joplin, Mo., and finished after 6:30 p.m. at Evangel College in Springfield, Mo.