THOMPSON SEEKS DEMOCRAT NOD FOR CONGRESS

BOURBON -- In 1992, James L. "Jay" Thompson came within 204 votes of capturing the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 8th district. He finished second in a field of six candidates behind Thad Bullock of Cape Girardeau.

Thompson believes Bullock's success was due to Republican supporters of U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, who voted in the Democratic primary and picked Bullock as "a less formidable candidate."

Because of the close race, Thompson decided to run again.

He is retired from the Navy and also worked 10 years as a fire and safety specialist for the state.

"Last time, I talked with a lot of people about issues and they identified with me," said Thompson. "It all boils down to the fact people feel their government is not responsive and is at odds with the people."

In his campaign, Thompson is calling for a cautious approach to health care reform; stiffer penalties for drug offenders and people convicted of crimes; he opposes any form of gun control; supports a strong defense, believes the U.S. shouldn't be the world's police force, and should fight under U.S. colors rather than the United Nations. He also fees industry brought to the district should be protective of natural resources.

Besides Bullock, Thompson is also facing Gene Curtis of Matthews and Don Hager of Farmington in the Democratic primary. Emerson has no primary opposition, and Libertarian Greg Tlapek of Cape Girardeau is the sole candidate on his ticket.

Thompson has never really stopped running for Congress since his close race two years ago, and is confident he can build on those numbers to capture the nomination.

In the primary, Thompson sees Bullock as his main opponent since he has name recognition from a half dozen previous races.

"I think Thad is a nice, elderly gentleman, but I think he runs to antagonize both parties. He really doesn't have any issues," said Thompson.

He believes Emerson is vulnerable this year, because "he is part of a failed body of government."

Still, Thompson has no illusions. He recognizes that beating Emerson will require things to happen that are beyond his control such as having a unified Democratic Party.

"I recognize it is an uphill battle, especially in trying to unseat a well-financed incumbent," said Thompson. "A lot of people also have the impression that Emerson can't be beaten. That perception is difficult to overcome."

On the issue of health care, Thompson supports a plan that guarantees insurability for individuals with pre-existing conditions, provides choice of physicians and hospitals, includes provisions to educate and train more Americans in the field of medicine, is affordable, has price controls for cost containment, and permits those with their own insurance the option they choose.

Thompson said any program mandated by the federal government should be efficient and operated by managed competition.

To combat crime, the candidate said law enforcement officers should be allowed to do their jobs. Plea bargaining should be stopped and penalties should be more severe.

"Our criminal justice system failed years ago when we started pampering those incarcerated, instead of making them work to pay for their crimes," said Thompson.

He called for a unified effort of citizens, government leaders and law enforcement personnel to wage a war on crime, drug abuse, and gangs.

In dealing with drug abuse, Thompson said, "I will say simply, `drop dope or drop dead.'"

Thompson stressed that industries brought to southern Missouri needs to be compatible with existing lifestyles and complimentary of the resources in the area.

Thompson was born in Myrtle, a rural Oregon County town. He attended Couch High School until joining the Navy in 1955. He later completed his high school degree and attended classes at the University of Maryland and Memphis State. While in the Navy he attained the rank of chief petty officer and served in Vietnam.

He attended St. Louis Community College and Agriculture School, is a graduate of the Missouri Law Enforcement Academy, Missouri Correctional Academy and Military Senior Enlisted Academy.

Thompson and his wife Linda have eight children and live in the town of Bourbon in Crawford County.