TOP CANDIDATES' PATHS LEAD TO CAPE GIRARDEAU

Last week's visit by Republican vice presidential nominee Dick Cheney continued a tradition of visits by the nominees for the No. 2 spot on the national ticket to the greater Cape Girardeau area.

Since California Sen. Richard Nixon arrived by train from St. Louis in the fall of 1952, we have more often than not been visited by vice presidential nominees in the course of the national campaign.

These would include Spiro Agnew in 1968, Bob Dole in 1976, Walter Mondale in 1980, Vice President Dan Quayle in 1992 and Vice President Al Gore (with President Clinton) in 1996, followed by that year's GOP nominee, Jack Kemp.

Such visits are useful on many levels. They offer an opportunity for area voters to get an up-close look at the national candidates. They offer an opportunity, as well, for students and other young people to see the political process at work, especially if they were lucky enough to be the Woodland High School band, invited to play for last week's airport rally.

Further, if the visits range beyond a mere rally or fund-raising stop, they offer a chance for candidates to become more familiar with the people of our area, our needs and aspirations. Example: The August 1999 visit to the Southeast Missouri Port Authority of Texas Gov. George W. Bush.

We are glad that our area continues to be on the itinerary of many national candidates.

If Missouri continues to be tight over the next six weeks, don't be surprised if we see still more visits from national candidates. Take advantage of these visits, if you can.