ASHCROFT KNOCKS ON DOORS DURING JACKSON STOP

JACKSON -- Former Missouri Governor John Ashcroft was pounding on doors Friday morning in an effort to gain support in his bid for U.S. Senate.

Ashcroft was walking door to door, dropping off literature in Jackson during his latest campaign trip to Southeast Missouri. Last week, he stumped at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

During his respite with reporters, Ashcroft reiterated his commitment to term limitations for senators and congressmen. He also touted his support of the presidential line-item veto and the death penalty.

He also held that the powers in Washington shouldn't exempt themselves from the laws that effect the rest of the country.

Ashcroft said his Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Alan Wheat, hasn't responded to the Republican's challenge to public debates. Ashcroft expressed interest in participating in at least three debates before the Nov. 8 election.

"Every day in D.C. decisions are being made which profoundly affect the people of Missouri," he said, "and I don't like some of those decisions. We need to give more control back to the state and local governments."