STATE OFFICIALS TAKE STAGE DURING PRE-RALLY AT PARK

One by one, Democratic state officials took the stage at Capaha Park Friday in a political pep rally that had the crowd celebrating long before President Bill Clinton arrived.

The speakers changed, but the theme remained the same: President Clinton has a vision that can lead the nation into the next century; GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole doesn't.

The rally began at 1:30 p.m. with a greeting from Cape Girardeau lawyer Don Dickerson, who helped plan the rally.

"Are there Democrats out here?" he asked to a roar of approval from the standing crowd of 30,000.

Bekki Cook, Missouri's secretary of state, served as master of ceremonies in what was billed as a pre-rally to the president's visit.

She said it was an honor to be a Democrat.

Cook, who is from Cape Girardeau, was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Judi Moiarity, who left office amid controversy. She is seeking election this fall to a full term.

Cook said if she is elected she will be the first Cape Girardeau resident to win statewide office in a century.

She praised Clinton. Under Clinton, the federal deficit has been reduced and the middle-class was protected, she said.

Attorney General Jay Nixon said Cape Girardeau was the "on ramp" on the road to the 21st century.

Rick Althaus, state Senate candidate in the 27th District, said Americans can't return to the past, adding: "We must say no to those who want to dismantle the best education system on the planet."

Christie Johnson, a student representative to the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents, urged people to register and vote.

"It is your constitutional right and it is your patriotic duty," she said.

Lieutenant Governor Roger Wilson encouraged the crowd to "warm up for the president" as dancers took to the stage and music played over loudspeakers.

Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and their wives arrived about an hour after the event began.

When it was over, some 40 minutes later, many in the crowd stayed around to shake hands with Clinton and Gore.

Mayor Al Spradling III greeted the president on his arrival at the airport and was among the local dignitaries who attended the rally.

"It is a great day for Cape Girardeau," he said.