MRS. BLUNT CAMPAIGNS FOR HER HUSBAND

If she becomes the next First Lady of Missouri, Roseann Blunt says she would focus her efforts on being an advocate for families in the state.

Since May 15, when she ended her third year working as a parent educator for the Parents as Teachers program with the Jefferson City schools, Blunt has been traveling the state on behalf of her husband, Secretary of State Roy Blunt.

He is one of five candidates seeking the Republican nomination for governor this year.

On Tuesday, Mrs. Blunt and her 19-year old daughter, Amy, toured the Cinnamon Bear Childcare Center in Cape Girardeau while on a swing through Southeast Missouri. Mrs. Blunt has been visiting day care centers, library reading programs, and head start centers "trying to emphasize Roy's belief in early childhood education.

"This is providing a good opportunity for me to see how day care is working in the state," she noted.

During his eight years as secretary of state, Blunt developed many pro-family policies, said Mrs. Blunt.

"The message Roy and I want to send to the people is that we are committed to Missouri's most important resource - the families and children of our state," she observed.

Mrs. Blunt said her work in the Parents as Teachers Program has given her a good perspective on the challenges facing young families in Missouri and some of the problems in dealing with state agencies.

In looking at ways to improve education, Mrs. Blunt pointed out that one of the most important things the state can do costs nothing; that is, getting families more involved in education.

"I want to be an advocate for families in this state," said Mrs. Blunt.

The Blunts have three children. Amy is a second-year student at the University of Missouri; Matt, who is 21, is a fourth-year student at the United States Naval Academy; and Andy is a 16-year old junior at Jefferson City High School.

Mrs. Blunt said her husband has also taken a special interest in the problems of older Missourians and recognizes the potential they have as a resource for the state.

"As we look at the population of Missouri, we recognize that older Missourians will play an increasingly important role in this state, and that state government must be prepared to utilize this valuable state resource," she said.

Mrs. Blunt said her husband, as governor, would establish an "Active Retired Missourians" resource network to better take advantage of the experience and knowledge of older citizens.

"Their assistance would prove invaluable in classrooms, state parks, various programs and charitable organizations," she observed.

While the campaign has been an enjoyable experience, Mrs. Blunt said she is looking forward to seeing the primary come to a close on Aug. 4. "This campaign has gone on too long," she remarked.

Once the primary ends, she stressed that Republicans can get back to their role of electing candidates who offer "good honest government."

She added, "Roy and I have been out around the state talking to people about issues of importance to this state."

Blunt's main opponent in the GOP primary, Attorney General William Webster, has accused Blunt of running a negative campaign for criticizing some of his actions as attorney general, such as the handling of the Second Injury Fund of the Division of Workers Compensation.

But Mrs. Blunt said it is proper to discuss how a candidate has performed in one office when they are seeking higher office, and does not view that as being negative.

She noted that Webster is airing ads critical of her husband for publishing the Missouri Manual with an out-of-state company. But Mrs. Blunt pointed out that her husband had to take the lowest bid and doing so saved taxpayers $150,000.

Mrs. Blunt said that speaks well for her Roy Blunt's performance as secretary of state when that is regarded as his most serious shortcoming in office by Webster.