STAPLES RUNS INTO CLINTON'S MOTHER, GETA CAMPAIGN BUTTON

JEFFERSON CITY - Danny Staples has a reputation in the Missouri Senate for being something of a smooth talker. His oratorical skills are unleashed frequently on colleagues as the Shannon County Democrat speaks out on legislation before the chamber.

Last weekend, while enjoying an annual vacation in Hot Springs, Ark., with his wife and friends from Eminence, Staples conned the mother of Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton out of a "Clinton for President" campaign button she was wearing.

"I didn't win any money at the races, but I did see Bill Clinton's mother," said Staples, who is among more than 60 Missouri legislators who have endorsed Clinton for president.

Staples said he was in a restaurant in Hot Springs Saturday with Wendy Smith, who has a canoe rental business near Eminence, and Brad Williams, a banker from Eminence, and their wives.

"Wendy saw a lady at the next table with the Bill Clinton button and went over to her and remarked, `I see you are supporting the right person for president.' Her exact response was, `I've been supporting him all my life ... I'm his mother.'"

Staples said he immediately went to Clinton's mother, "kissed her on the cheek, and said, ~`I'm supporting Clinton for president and I want that button.'"

Mrs. Clinton offered to send Staples campaign buttons, but Staples persisted in asking for the one being worn personally by the candidate's mother. Finally, Staples gave her a business card and asked her to send buttons by mail.

Later, as she was leaving the restaurant, Clinton's mother came over to shake hands with everyone at Staples' table. Staples continued his quest for the button, and finally, she relented and handed it over to the senator.

While Staples said he is proud of his button, he ultimately plans to pass it on to his own mother.

"I'm going to be wearing it at Democratic rallies throughout the year, and after the election I will give it to my 83-year-old mother, who has campaign buttons dating back to Woodrow Wilson," explained Staples.

Staples said he has only met Clinton one time, briefly, and has met Clinton's wife, Hillary.

He said he is solidly behind the governor's quest for the Democratic nomination for president despite his recent downturn in the polls. Staples says he believes Clinton will ultimately win the Democratic nomination.

"I'm looking forward to how things come out in New Hampshire," said Staples. "I think the polls in New Hampshire may be a little bit off; I think it will be a horse race between Clinton and (Paul) Tsongas."