LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: LETTERS, CANDIDATES: A CAMPAIGN POLICY

The number of letters to the editor has increased recently. I would like to think this is because of my appeals, and it appears this has been the case for some of the letters. But most of the increase is simple to explain: There is an election in a few weeks, and there are some hotly contested races and issues on the ballot.

As you know by now, I think letters to the editor are crucial to these opinion pages. A mixture of the editorial board's opinions, columnists' commentaries and readers' views, along with the sharp visual wit of cartoonists, is a feast for serious newspaper readers.

It is good that readers are expressing themselves about voting issues. There is much confusion about some of the proposed constitutional amendments Readers are, through their letters, letting both sides know they want solid facts. Supporters and opponents on these issues are writing too, sometimes imparting some real information.

There is a general reluctance among newspapers, however, to allow candidates to conduct their campaigns through letters to the editor. This is an area of potential abuse, or perhaps perceived abuse, by earnest candidates who want to keep their names in front of voters. Because of this, the Southeast Missourian has decided not to publish letters to the editor or guest columns from candidates prior to the general election.

This decision is in no way intended to stifle the exchange of information readers need to make informed decisions. Our reporters have tried to cover most events at which candidates speak, although we missed a talk by Congressman Alan Wheat, Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate, last month when he was in Cape Girardeau. A supporter of Wheat's has taken us to task for that lapse, and I can offer no excuse. Suffice to say I think all the candidates deserve fair and complete coverage when they make an effort to inform voters.

In an effort to provide further voter information, the Southeast Missourian has invited all of the candidates -- Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians -- in the races for U.S. Senate and the 8th District of the House of Representatives to meet with our editorial board. These interviews will be taped and transcribed for readers.

These aren't endorsement interviews. The Southeast Missourian doesn't make endorsements of candidates, although it does take positions on issues such as the constitutional amendments that will be on the Nov. 8 ballot. Rather, the candidate interviews are a way of soliciting information that will give readers an in-depth review of key issues.

~R. Joe Sullivan is the editor of the Southeast Missourian. Send comments or suggestions to P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 64302.