SUPPORTERS PREPARE FOR GOP VISIT

About 15 Dole-Kemp supporters spent Thursday afternoon preparing signs with such catchy slogans as "Back Jack," "Dole Man" and "We love Jack."

The College Republicans, Cape Girardeau County Republican Women and others took a couple of hours Thursday to help make vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp feel more at home.

"We're painting up signs to welcome and support him," said Donna Lichtenegger, 8th Congressional District Republican chairperson and Dole coordinator for Cape Girardeau County.

She said that about 200 signs were completed and that they would be available at today's rally, which will be held at the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson.

She said she really appreciated the support of the volunteers, all of whom had their reasons for donating their time.

Jennifer Cole, 19, of Sparta, Ill., was on hand with several other College Republicans from Southeast Missouri State University. She said she took time to help because she wanted to show her support.

"It's time for a change for the better," Cole said. "I like him and think he would make a good vice president."

Beverly Poelker, 19, of St. Louis is also a College Republican. She said she "very much" likes Kemp and feels he has a lot of good ideas.

"I especially like his ideas for a smaller government," she said, adding that government has taken an excessive role in people's lives.

Kendra Brown, director of the Cape Girardeau Republican headquarters, said things have been hectic since the announcement that Kemp was coming.

She said volunteers had been preparing all day and would be getting ready well into Friday morning.

"The volunteers are great," she said. "We wouldn't be able to do it without them."

Lichtenegger said no one seems to mind the work and all are excited that Kemp is coming.

"This is a dream come true," she said. "I'm really excited. He really knows how to get people motivated. He's a dynamic speaker. It should be a really good speech."