VOTERS SHOULD TAKE TIME TO STUDY ELECTION ISSUES

The nation now stands less than a month away from electing a new president. Certainly, some minds are made up. Undoubtedly, some who feel their decisions are steadfast will have second thoughts (probably third and fourth thoughts) in the coming four weeks. In recent days, some uncertainties that have occupied much of the candidates' and the national media's attention have been cleared out of the way. We hope this last month of campaigning lends itself to a thorough examination of the issues involved in this race for the White House.

Every presidential race has had its own unique characteristics, so to regard this election year as unconventional would not be giving history its due. However, the on-again, off-again, on-again presence of a wealthy third party in the presidential race, as well as the lingering and overblown debate over debates, has served in giving the 1992 campaign a distinctive flavor ... in addition to masking some issues that need to be addressed. In a year when chicken suits and Murphy Brown have been given more attention than the federal budget deficit and the restructured military, a settling-down to substantive discussions will surely be welcomed.

If anything, Missourians and Illinoisans have better opportunities than many in the nation to benefit from a clear exchange of candidate positions. Both states are seen as crucial for victory by President Bush and Bill Clinton, and both candidates have expended considerable resources in getting their messages heard in Missouri and Illinois. In our own backyard have been appearances by Barbara Bush, Tipper Gore and, most recently, Vice President Dan Quayle. The possibility exists that other visits from the parties of the presidential contenders will be forthcoming. Word emerged from the contending camps Saturday that the first presidential debate will be held in St. Louis, two hours from our community's doorstep.

In addition to presidential politics, voters have a lot of things to think about before Nov. 3. Missourians face a full slate of statewide candidates and issues ranging from riverboat gambling to term limits; locally, there are matters of county zoning and city ward representation to decide. In Illinois, a high-visibility race for the U.S. Senate is under way, along with other campaigning.

It's not too late. Voters have ample opportunity to study the issues of this presidential election (and all other ballot measures). This newspaper is determined to present as much factual information as possible about the choices of 1992 in the weeks ahead. We hope citizens will take time to digest this information and use it on Election Day.