VICE PRESIDENT CHOICE THRILLS AREA DEMOCRATS

Several Southeast Missouri Democrats said Thursday they were excited by the choice of Tennessee Sen. Albert Gore Jr. by Gov. Bill Clinton as his running mate on the party's presidential ticket.

They labeled Gore as a strong senator who will be a credit to the Democratic ticket. Also, several noted that with Gore and Clinton both being from neighboring states, they should run well in Missouri this fall and provide a boost to other Democratic candidates.

"I think he will be a strong vice president, and even though he is young, he can be categorized as a statesman," declared Emily Ferguson-Firebaugh of Fredericktown, who will be a delegate to the Democratic National Convention next week.

"I love the choice of Gore. Sen. Gore is well known for his interest in environmental improvement. I think with his input and his interest in the environment, the infrastructure of the United States can be improved immensely," said Firebaugh.

She added that Gore will likely move the Democratic Party toward supporting a shift in defense spending to clean up the environment and improve the nation's infrastructure.

"We have two strong, sensible men from the heartland of America that can lead us out of this recession and into a strong work ethic to build our economy," said Firebaugh.

R. Todd McBride of Cape Girardeau, chairman of the 8th district Democratic Committee, said he thinks the Clinton-Gore ticket will draw wide support in Missouri and across the nation.

"I'm thrilled with it. I think it's great," observed McBride. "I don't think he could have picked a better person. I know some people will criticize the fact that there are two southerners on the ticket, but what does it matter? The man is qualified and experienced.

"Regionally, having candidates from Arkansas and Tennessee can only help us in Missouri. I'm encouraged by it," said McBride.

Mark Preyer of Kennett, who will be a Democratic delegate next week, said he thinks Gore will shift the balance of support to the Democratic ticket in Missouri this fall.

"Our cable television system gets all the Memphis channels so we get to see a lot of Al Gore. A lot of people here really like him," said Preyer.

He is also quite pleased with Gore's strong stand on environmental issues.

"I think this ticket will help all Missouri Democratic candidates in November," said Preyer. "A tremendous side benefit to me as a long-time supporter of Mel Carnahan, is that I think it helps him. I feel very confident about his chances if he is the Democratic nominee for governor with this ticket."

State Rep. Joe Driskill, D-Poplar Bluff, said the Clinton-Gore ticket could be just what the Democratic Party needs to win back the White House.

"I'm delighted with Gore and think it could possibly mean a victory in the South for the Democratic ticket. I think it will be a very important factor in Missouri," said Driskill. "Sen. Gore is very well known in the state as a bright, articulate and very successful senator from Tennessee."

Driskill said it appears the Democratic strategy is to capture the southern vote this year, something they have not done since the 1976 election.

Driskill also feels Gore will offer a sharp contrast to Vice President Dan Quayle.

"When you combine a Rhodes scholar (Clinton) with a Harvard graduate (Gore) you have some brainpower there. I think they typify the new generation of the Democratic Party - middle of the road and progressive, with new ideas on how to do things," said Driskill.

"I think that's what the people are after."

Sen. Jerry Howard, D-Dexter, said he is a bit concerned about the all-southern ticket, but noted, "Al Gore is an excellent choice. He is well known and a respected U.S. senator throughout the nation.

"This may be the year that where a candidate is from won't make much difference. The Democrats could have a slate of young, vibrant officeholders at the top of the ticket to lead us to a real change in government."

Firebaugh stressed that both Clinton and Gore have a long record of helping people of all ages and all walks of life.

"With two clean cut men that have proven to be capable as elected officials, we have a good chance," said Firebaugh. "They have both proven they are interested and have supported legislation on health care, which helps the elderly; they have taken care of education needs, to help the young; and are interested in economic recovery for the small, middle businessman, which takes care of the working class.

"Even though they are young men, they have a proven record that they take care of not just the mainstream, but people of all ages," said Firebaugh. "They have worked for programs as senator and governor that proves they can span all the ages without any problem."