KEMP SCOLDS CLINTON FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

JACKSON -- In front of a banner that read "Character Counts," Republican vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp Friday criticized President Clinton's administration for scandals that included accepting illegal campaign contributions from a drug dealer.

"We need somebody who thinks positively to lead this country in the 21st century," Kemp told more than 800 supporters in front of the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson.

"Not Ross, not Bill, not Al, and certainly not Ralph Nader. Bob Dole is that man," Kemp said.

With three days until the election and behind in the polls, Kemp used words like honest and trustworthy to describe Dole. He said the president should put his party first by putting his country first. Bob Dole would do just that, he said.

Several people waved Ross Perot signs continuously throughout the speech. Kemp told those people, "We don't need a new reform party; Bob Dole is the reform party."

He told the crowd, which ventured out in 40-degree weather to see him, that Clinton shouldn't lie about Dole's agenda. Clinton has said that Dole's 15 percent across-the-board tax cut would eradicate Medicaid, Social Security, student loans and other federally funded programs.

"That is a lie," Kemp said. "They've even said we'd take the environment away. That is serious."

Kemp criticized Clinton for preying on public fears, calling it shameful.

"Al Gore said Bill Clinton is doing the best job that he can," Kemp said. "He's right: Bill is. But it's not good enough. We can do better with Bob Dole."

Kemp said Clinton's claim that the economy is the best it has been in 30 years is egregious.

"How can it be the best when it takes two breadwinners to do what it used to take one to do?" Kemp asked.

"A Dole-Kemp administration would repeal the tax code as we know it," Kemp said. The tax code would be fairer, simpler and more pro-family and would end the IRS as we know it, he said.

Kemp also pledged that he and Dole would cut the capital gains tax, which he called unfair.

Kemp said loyalty is important, and he will stand by Bob Dole as vice president.

"It is no secret he has no use in his right arm," Kemp said of Dole. "I am proud to be that right arm. I will be with Bob Dole every step of the way."

Kemp voiced support for 8th District congressional candidate Jo Ann Emerson several times during the rally while Republican candidate Richard Kline watched from the sidelines.

"I don't know a member of Congress who had more respect from both parties than Bill Emerson," Kemp said. "What better tribute to Bill than to elect Jo Ann Emerson as the next congresswoman for Missouri?"

State Sen. Peter Kinder warmed up the crowd before Kemp arrived from a speaking engagement in Springfield. He tried to link Democratic rivals with former Missouri House speaker Bob Griffin, freshly indicted on federal bribery charges.

"It's four days before the election and guess what?" Kinder said. "The Democrats are making headlines all across Missouri."

Among Republicans who attended the rally were U.S. Sens. Kit Bond and John Ashcroft and state Reps. Mary Kasten and David Schwab.

Republican Margaret Kelly, who is running for governor, and Carl Bearden, who is running for state treasurer, were also present.