WHEAT SAYS HE'S EYING SENATE RACE

U.S. Rep. Alan Wheat of Kansas City says speculation that he will not seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate this year "is absolutely untrue."

"It is no secret anymore what my intentions are," said Wheat Friday. "I have been traveling the state talking and listening to people. I have created a fund-raising committee for this race."

The sixth-term congressman said, "I would not be doing this if I were not planning to run for the Senate. I look forward to spending a lot of time in Southeast Missouri, hopefully over the next seven years."

Republican Sen. John Danforth announced last February that he would not seek a fourth term, and immediately Wheat expressed interest in the seat.

Wheat said speculation he might not run is probably due to the fact he has not formally announced, which he attributed to a scheduling problem.

"Congress goes back into session Jan. 25, and I want to make my announcement during the week. So I have to wait until the first congressional break, which is the third week of February," Wheat said.

He said he plans to start a statewide swing on Feb. 15 to make his formal announcement. Wheat said he will focus on why he is running and what he believes he can accomplish for the state and country.

Wheat, who represents the 5th District in Congress, said people have been receptive to his candidacy. "I have supporters in every part of the state," said Wheat.

Former Gov. John Ashcroft appears to be the lone Republican running for the seat.

Three other Democrats have formally announced plans to run: Gerald Ortbals, a St. Louis attorney; Steve Carroll, a state representative from Hannibal; and Marsha Murphy, county executive of Jackson County.

Wheat said he has heard of no other Democratic candidates laying groundwork for a Senate bid. Gov. Mel Carnahan, who has been encouraged to consider the race, said last month he intends to remain in the governor's office and will seek a second term in 1996.

Last fall St. Louis County Councilwoman Geri Rothman-Serot, the Democratic nominee against Sen. Christopher Bond in 1992, announced plans to withdraw from the race in 1994, and she endorsed Wheat.

"It has been a big boost for my campaign," Wheat said. "First she endorsed me, and that was important, and then a number of her supporters have come on board and started to help out. It has been nothing but positive for me."

Filing for offices in Missouri opens Feb. 22. "On Feb. 22 I plan to be in Jefferson City and will file for the Senate," said Wheat.