WEBSTER WASTES NO TIME STARTING THE FALL CAMPAIGN; NOMINEE EXPECTS `AGGRESSIVE' RACE, `CLEAR CHOICE' FOR GUBERNATORIAL POST

Just hours after capturing a hard-fought Republican primary election battle for governor, Attorney General Bill Webster launched his general election campaign with five news conferences around the state.

Speaking at the Cape Girardeau Airport, Webster said his fast start was "to symbolize a very aggressive campaign." He said, "Voters have a clear choice in the general election.

Webster said his Democratic opponent, Lt. Gov. Mel Carnahan, has made promises to every special-interest group in the state that will lead to "bigger government and higher taxes."

By contrast, Webster said he stands for "smaller, not bigger government."

During the fall campaign, Webster said he looked forward to comparing his record with Carnahan's and discussing their positions on issues so that voters understand clearly the choices they have.

Webster, who was greeted by about 20 supporters here Wednesday morning, attributed his victory to a strong grassroots organization and his discussion of issues in the primary.

The attorney general captured about 44 percent of the Republican vote Tuesday while Secretary of State Roy Blunt was second with 39 percent. State Treasurer Wendell Bailey was a distant third.

Webster said he had spoken to both Blunt and Bailey the night before and was pleased that "both are supportive of the Republican ticket."

He also praised the slate of candidates he has to run with this fall and said he anticipated a unified Republican Party as the general election race heats up.

"I am very excited about this Republican ticket," Webster said.

He acknowledged that there were some wounds from the primary due to the hard-hitting campaign between Blunt and himself, which included allegations about each other's records in office.

"I regret we could not talk the entire campaign about issues," said Webster. "But I am confident Republicans are going to pull together ... in fact, we are already seeing it."

To win in November, Webster said he would have to appeal across party lines to build a coalition of Republicans, conservative Democrats and independents. Such coalitions have enabled him to win in the past, he said.

Webster attempted to portray his Democratic foe as an advocate of bigger government and higher taxes.

While he has talked about issues, Webster charged that Carnahan avoided major issues like welfare reform and criminal justice system reform during his primary race.

"Mel Carnahan primarily talks about taxes," said Webster.

He chided Carnahan for his plan to raise taxes about $200 million for education. He said, "We cannot throw money at our schools - it just doesn't work."

Webster said the key to improving education is specific programs to bring reforms that contain accountability and goals that are measurable.

"Actions speak louder than words, and in the attorney general's office we have taken action," said Webster.

"The lieutenant governor has spent four years harping about government while we've been taking action," said Webster.