WHEAT DISCUSSES SENATE BID WITH STUDENTS

Like most people running for public office in the 1990s, U.S. Rep. Alan Wheat is talking about the future and the challenges awaiting the nation in the 21st century.

But before all attention is focused on the future, the six-term congressman from Kansas City believes some of today's problems need to be addressed first. Problems like health care and welfare reform, personal security for people of the country both at home and on the streets, and creating the kind of climate that allows people to fulfill their dreams.

"Before we can meet the challenges of tomorrow, we have to face up to the fact we have some immediate problems to deal with today," said Wheat, who visited Cape Girardeau Thursday as part of a three day tour kicking off his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

"As we look to the 21st century, we must realize that solving the problems of tomorrow begins with solving the problems of today."

Wheat, who was joined by his wife Yolanda, discussed his campaign and government with about 30 people while in Cape Girardeau, most of them from an honors political science class at Southeast Missouri State University.

Before announcing his candidacy to succeed retiring Sen. John Danforth, Wheat said he traveled the state extensively to decide whether to run. He found that though people are different in different parts of the state, there are a lot of similarities among Missourians.

"A mother in St. Joseph wants the same thing as a mother in St. Louis," said Wheat. "She wants to be assured that the education her child receives prepares him for adult life by expanding his horizons, as well as by improving his mind."

He noted that people are also concerned about personal security. "This wave of violence is intolerable and unacceptable," said Wheat. "Crime is an ever-increasing problem."

He expressed support for President Clinton's plan to fund the hiring of 100,000 additional police officers around the country, and Wheat contended from conversations he has had with police chiefs, it will make a real impact.

Wheat explained that the additional police will increase the number of officers on the street by 20 percent, and will allow departments to use officers in innovative ways such as covering beats on foot or bicycle patrols.

"We need to invest in good and smart law enforcement things that will help prevent crime," he stressed.

Wheat said he also supports welfare reforms that require people to be off assistance in two years. The congressman said it is becoming more and more apparent that people are becoming less tolerant of people who are capable of working not working.

"The American work ethic ought to mean something," said Wheat, who added that a good education is also essential to giving people opportunities to succeed.

Wheat is the House sponsor of the Parents as Teachers bill, which Sen. Christopher Bond is handling in the U.S. Senate. He noted that programs like that help insure that children get off to a good start in life.

In his comments, Wheat also made reference to the death of a Southeast student caused by hazing at a fraternity.

"I know it's a sad day on campus; it is senseless and tragic act," said Wheat. "This kind of action cannot be tolerated in this day and age."

The 42-year-old Democrat is trying to become the first black ever elected to statewide office in Missouri. The Kansas City district he now represents is 80 percent white. Since winning his seat for the first time in 1982, he has won by increasingly larger margins.

Although he was recently endorsed by former Sen. Thomas F. Eagleton, Wheat said he would follow the advice of another former senator from Missouri, Harry Truman. Wheat observed that Truman had often said political campaigns could not be run from one's front porch.

"I agree with Harry Truman that no one should be elected who hasn't given the people an opportunity to get to know them," said Wheat.

Even though he is from an urban area, Wheat contended that he could still run well in outstate Missouri, if he takes the time to meet the people and discuss on issues with them. Wheat said he also believes that many times it is more important to listen than to talk.

"I fully intend to go everywhere in this state and give people an opportunity to vote for me," declared Wheat.

One of the charges Wheat will have to contend with during his campaign is that he is too liberal for Missouri. The national Republican Party has already singled Wheat out as the likely Democratic nominee and earlier this week issued a "Wheat Watch" to advise news media of his voting record in the House.

Roll Call Magazine in Washington, D.C. recently identified Wheat as the 13th most liberal member of the House.

"I have been called worse things than liberal in my time," quipped Wheat. "You have to ignore the labeling."

Wheat said the ranking was based on votes that included: his support for 12 weeks of unpaid family medical leave; a health care reform bill; devoting more resources to education; and reducing military spending by requiring Japan and Europe to begin paying for protection being provided by the U.S. military.

"If taking those stands are going to cause me to be labeled, I'll have to live with it," said Wheat.