NEWSLINE: BUSH WINS EASILY WITH COUNTY GOP

JACKSON -- President George Bush won all 24 delegates selected Tuesday to represent Cape Girardeau County Republicans at the state convention June 26-27 at Springfield.

Ralph Ford, chairman of the Cape Girardeau County Republican Committee, said that about 100 Republicans participated in Tuesday's presidential caucus held at the county administrative building in Jackson.

At stake were 24 delegates to the state convention in Springfield and 24 delegates to the 8th District Convention to be held May 16 at Holiday Inn in Poplar Bluff.

Ford said two delegates to the district convention will be uncommitted, with the remaining 22 Bush supporters.

He said he wasn't surprised at the results of Tuesday's caucus, or that Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchanan failed to receive any delegates.

"I expected that," said Ford. "I think Bush is beginning to get his campaign into full swing.

"I think probably Buchanan's candidacy has made President Bush sit up and take notice, but I don't expect any surprises at the national convention."

Delegates also will be chosen at the 8th District Republican meeting to attend the national convention in August at Houston.