SIX DEMOCRATS FACE OFF FOR U.S. CONGRESS: IN SIXTH RACE, BULLOCK FEELS HIS TIME HAS COME

Thad Bullock vividly remembers a conversation he had with Vice President Hubert Humphrey in 1968 at Poplar Bluff - the first time he ran for Congress. Bullock was running in a crowded field of candidates and had expressed frustration to Humphrey about not having enough money to spend.

Bullock recalls: "He said to me, `just hang in there. Some day you'll win.'"

Now, 24 years later and in his sixth congressional race, Bullock believes his time has come.

"I really do expect to win," declared Bullock, who said Humphrey gave him good advice. The combination of his name recognition from previous campaigns, first position on the ballot, and growing unrest among the people with incumbents should work to his favor in 1992, Bullock feels.

Bullock has never won the Democratic primary for Congress, and after 1968 did not run again until 1984. He has run every two years since. In 1984 he did carry Dunklin County, where he was born and raised and still maintains the family farm. At the end of last year, Bullock retired, and closed a piano and organ store he operated in the old Marquette Hotel in Cape Girardeau.

On the campaign trail, Bullock differentiates himself from other candidates because he is an entertainer - not only as a long-time member of the Toastmasters, but also as a lively piano and organ player.

"I excel at being eloquent at the lectern," said Bullock, in describing his speaking ability. His musical ability is also "a pretty good asset" and something other candidates lack. Often, Bullock pulls an organ on a trailer to events around the district, and he brags about having played at just about every senior citizen center in Southeast Missouri.

Bullock feels the economy is the biggest problem facing the nation and 8th district. He stresses that his farming background and 40 years of business experience will enable him to meet with corporate executives and factory owners about locating in this part of the state.

"All factories are looking for a good workforce and a good transportation system, which we have with our interstate highways and the river," said Bullock.

He said there needs to be legislation curbing foreign competition, which are driving out many American jobs such as Brown Shoe Co. plants in the 8th district.

"We are facing a shrinking economy and should start disallowing products to be dropped in this country duty free," declared Bullock.

At this time, Bullock said he believes it is not possible to balance the federal budget. "I honestly feel they are all using the words `balanced budget' almost like a political football," he noted.

He doubts whether there is any chance of agreement on the kinds of major cuts that would be needed in spending to balance the budget.

One area Bullock would like to cut is spending on defense in Europe, which he says is not needed any longer. The savings could be applied to the deficit and also provide more funds for education, he believes.

Instead of giving money out in foreign aid, Bullock favors using grain so that farmers will receive a good price for crops that will enable them to make more than production costs.

"I strongly feel we need to pay our farmers the money they need and make our loans to foreign countries with grain rather than cash," said Bullock.

He adds that any aid to the Soviet Union should be in the form of grain, food and supplies, rather than cash.

On the issue of health care, Bullock supports a plan patterned after the Canadian system.

Bullock also feels the nation needs to work to do everything possible to strengthen education because of what it means to the future. He points out that he has three years of college, his wife was a teacher, and all four of his children have college degrees.

"I am a walking example of someone who sees the benefits of education," observed the candidate.

Bullock is "Pro-Life" on the abortion issue, favoring abortion only to save the life of the mother.

He expects to spend less than $5,000 on the primary campaign, and points out that 1992 appears to be a year where campaign funds won't be a factor.

"I believe the mood of the people is that they are fed up with our conditions and will vote for a clean sweep, and all money spent in opposing that trend will be negligible this year," declared Bullock.

"This is one time I do believe the country is angry; the people are voting for change."