Widow of Missouri Governor Would Accept His Place

Jean Carnahan, wife of the late Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan, announced Oct. 30 that she would accept an appointment to the U. S. Senate if her husband wins next Tuesday’s election.

Carnahan, a Democrat, is still on the ballot against Republican Senator John Ashcroft in one of the nation’s closest Senate races. Carnahan, his son, and a campaign aide were killed in a plane crash Oct. 16. Acting Missouri Governor Roger Wilson said he will appoint Jean Carnahan to the seat if her late husband wins.

Ashcroft and Carnahan are tied at 46 percent of the vote according to a poll conducted this week by the Kansas City Star. Two weeks ago, a poll showed Ashcroft with a 10-point lead.

Both campaigns suspended activity after Carnahan’s death but are now back on the trail. Ashcroft recently released new campaign ads touting him as a man of “Missouri values” who should lead the state in this time of crisis.

Carnahan supporters distributed 780,000 lapel buttons proclaiming, “I’m still with Mel.” Mel Carnahan’s campaign paid for the buttons, but canceled all scheduled TV advertising.