THOMPSON KICKS OFF 8TH DISTRICT RACE

Over the years, James L. "Jay" Thompson has given a lot of thought to running for Congress. He hasn't acted on those thoughts because of his concern about the cost of running and the difficulty of unseating an entrenched incumbent.

This year though, Thompson believes things might be different and is seeking the Democratic nomination for Congress from the 8th District. If he emerges on top of the six-candidate field in the August primary, he would challenge six-term U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau.

"I'd given it a lot of thought for a lot of years, but just never had the money. Running for Congress is overwhelming and almost impossible the way the system is set up," said Thompson.

"But there is so much dissatisfaction with people in the House and Senate that we need to do something about it. There will be reforms and I want to be a part of making those reforms."

Thompson, 53, now lives in Bourbon in Crawford County, on the edge of the 8th District. A native of Oregon County at the other end of the district, Crawford spent 22 years in the U.S. Navy and also served as a police officer in St. James and Sullivan.

He recently retired after nine years as a fire safety specialist for the state, working with the Department of Corrections.

Normally, Thompson believes it would be difficult for a new congressman to come in and have an immediate impact, and that voters are often reluctant to give up the seniority of an incumbent.

But with the kind of anticipated turnover this year, Thompson feels "it will be possible for a new congressman to get on committees of interest to the district."

He added, "I think I can make a change. There are some hard decisions that have to be made and I want to go up there and get some things done."

During the campaign, Thompson said he does not plan to levy personal attacks on Emerson, and noted, "as congressmen go, there are a lot of those in Missouri I like a whole lot less than Emerson."

Thompson stressed that his willingness to change will make him a good member of Congress. "I think I will make a real strong congressman," he noted. "I may not be the most popular because I want to make some changes to make things work better."

He is "adamantly opposed" to making drastic cuts in the military and is against large scale cutbacks in National Guard units in rural areas because the forces and equipment are needed for emergencies. Thompson also is against any cuts in the Strategic Defense Initiative "Star Wars" program.

He supports some type of national health care, and likes the Canadian concept.

Thompson said he believes federal tax laws should be simplified, not necessarily to the extent of a flat tax, "but in a way that makes it easier for people to fill out their own tax forms."

Environment is another key area of concern to the candidate. "I am interested in a national environmental package that addresses in particular how hazardous waste is stored and maintained, and a national energy policy."

Thompson said he feels capable of providing input on policies like the environment and noted that he would get some of his ideas by talking with people in the 8th District.

Thompson added that he is also concerned about the increase in foreign governments and corporations owning property in the United States. He favors a law to prevent any future foreign ownership of property in this country and setting up a time frame where current foreign owners could sell property they own now.

In 1972 and 1980, Thompson was an unsuccessful candidate for sheriff in Oregon County. But Thompson feels his experience and interests are better suited for the national scene.

Thompson has four grown children from a previous marriage, and his present wife has three children from a previous marriage. Together, they have an 11-year-old child.

He points out that he has received training at the college level and in law enforcement academies in areas such as business, corrections, and law enforcement.

This week, Thompson plans to take his campaign to the Bootheel. He is hoping to recruit many of the people who supported unsuccessful congressional candidate Wayne Cryts of Puxico in 1986 and 1988.

"I hope some of the people he appealed to will support me," said Thompson, who campaigned for Cryts.