PEOPLE

The Southeast Missourian asked people what they thought about President Bush naming Secretary of State James A. Baker III to be his chief of staff who would work for the president's re-election.

Jim Stubbs: "I think that Bush needs him to help, but it's going to be a little bit late. I don't think it will help much. I think the Democrats and the women are going to take over."

Doris Ford: "I think Baker has been a good secretary of state, and I hate to see him leave that job. However, maybe it is more critical that Baker be with President Bush right now to help with his re-election."

Wayne Pressley: "I think President Bush made a wise choice, because his campaign needs a shot in the arm. He should have done this earlier, but I think the election will be closer than it looks now."

Becki Dalton: "At this stage of the game, I don't think it will hurt. I think that Bush is going to try everything that he can to help his re-election, and I think it was a wise move on his part."

H.B. Rice: "It will help President Bush more than it will hurt him. It's also an indication of how concerned he is in being behind in the polls. I think that it still will be a long campaign."

Dave Hutson: "I think that Baker was doing a great job as secretary of state in dealing with foreign affairs. I think that's where he should have stayed with all that's going on in the world right now."