State, local Republican candidates open Cape rally for Sarah Palin

While Sarah Palin was the star attraction at Thursday's Republican rally at the Show Me Center, the audience also heard from top candidates on the GOP state ticket and veteran Republican campaigners.

U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof was the emcee for the first part of the program, a 30-minute segment as the audience filed in and found their places. Hulshof, a Columbia, Mo., resident and Mississippi County native who is running for governor, gave the crowd some shots at his chief opponent, Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon, as well as introducing Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and U.S. Sen. Kit Bond.

Hulshof ticked off all the areas in life where taxes are imposed -- incomes, sales and gasoline were among those he listed -- and then he referred to his attempts in Congress to repeal the federal inheritance tax.

"I don't know about you, but I think we pay plenty," Hulshof said.

He questioned Nixon's campaign theme of change, noting that Nixon has held state office since 1986, making him the senior officeholder in state government.

Kinder, a Cape Girardeau native, touched on social conservative themes that have been among the mainstays of his political career since he became a state senator in 1993. He vouched for the pro-life bona fides of U.S. Sen. John McCain and Palin, which brought cheers from the audience, and attacked gun control votes he said U.S. Sen. Barack Obama cast as an Illinois state lawmaker.

He said the victory is in sight in an election where the polls have been running against Republicans. "You can feel the momentum shift," Kinder said.

Bond reminded the crowd, which had only half-filled the auditorium by the time he spoke around 9 a.m., that Missouri is vital to Republican chances in the election. "Missouri is the bellwether state, it is the bell cow. If we win Missouri, we are well down the path to winning nationally."

Bond attacked Obama's lack of experience, worrying that if a crisis strikes because of a terrorist attack, Obama will not make the right decisions. "I am not sure we will respond as we should," he said.

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson introduced Palin after a 20-minute intermission as the seats filled. Emerson listed the reasons she thinks Palin is in perfect step with conservative Southeast Missouri, naming her pro-life views, promises to cut federal spending, support for gun rights and emphasis on exploring for more oil in the United States.

That will draw votes in this area and propel the GOP to victory, Emerson said. "We're used to making a difference in southern Missouri."

rkeller@semissourian.com

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