The Springfield News-Leader from Springfield, Missouri • Page 1

Dropped: Monett charges against Teamster leader dismissed 14A Springfield THVYTTT T( Wednesday October 18, 2000 www.OzarksNow.com Springfield, Missouri 50C MMSm UV qui am. i Loss OF A Leader Randy Carnahan 'Adventurous, Loyal, Supportive Chris Sifford Endearing, Witty, Trustworthy Governor Mel Carnahan 1934-2000 Tu n4r CTn 1(uJlUu(Uu(oJul 1 1 fl 1 0 nn New governor is sworn in; Clinton plans to attend funeral Friday. 7 r. 4 Inside: 10-page section and special Opinion page Mel Carnahan a public servant first mwt. mmurwi nun im(n-) confitfcnri', f' ji- "WP'T'S "I 6,.

By Carmel Perez Snyder News-leader JEFFERSON CITY In one short moment, the course of Missouri history was changed irrevocably. In a historic yet somber ceremony, Roger Wilson was sworn in early today as Missouri's 52nd governor, succeeding Gov. Mel Carnahan. Carnahan died in a plane crash Monday night along with his son, Randy, and campaign manager Chris Sifford. Wilson, who was nearing the end of his second term as lieutenant governor, became acting governor Tuesday.

Surrounded by a small group of friends and family, he was sworn in as governor about 1:13 a.m. today in the Capitol, a short time after the Jefferson County medical examiner confirmed that Gov. Carnahan and Sifford had died in the crash. The investigators continued to work to confirm the death of Randy Carnahan. Joe Bednar, chief counsel for the governor's office, said the swearing in was done at the late hour to comply with state law, which mandates that the lieutenant governor take office upon the death of the governor.

Wilson had said last year that he planned to leave public life. "A lot of us don't end up where we plan to be," he said at a Tuesday press briefing. "This is like any other job. We do the best we can." Mourners lined the iron fence in front of the Governor's Mansion with flowers and memorials. Political leaders, including President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, sent condolences to first lady Jean Carnahan.

Gore will be in Jefferson City today, and White House officials confirmed that Clinton will attend Carnahan's funeral Friday. Carnahan's death has sent shock waves across the state and the nation. "As a two-term governor, Mel addressed the challenges that Missouri's families face." Gore said. "He enacted far-reaching education Christina Deken News-Leaoer Penny Huston and her daughter, Tayler, 5, Jefferson City, place a flower in front of the Governor's Mansion on Tuesday evening. Huston said she wanted to pay her respects and that she would still vote for Carnahan in the November election.

Democrats not conceding election The Associated Press George W. Bush (left) and Al Gore included tributes to Mel Carnahan on Tuesday in the St Louis debate. Tragedy defines debate Al Gore and George W. Bush held a moment of silence for Gov. Carnahan before the last of three presidential debates set, ironically, in St Louis.

After a solemn start, audience questions shaped the final one-on-one showdown. Special section, Page 9 For Missouri, a stunning loss "Not politics," he used to say. "Public service." Gov. Mel Carnahan believed in his vision, his beliefs and his state. Special section, cover Roger "Randy" Carnahan didn't follow his father into politics.

But he shared his father's passion for frying. Special section, Page 3 If Carnahan was there, so, somewhere, was Chris Sifford. Sifford, the former journalist and press secre- Greene County party chairman hopes to push Carnahan's U.S. Senate candidacy. tary who guided the governor's Senate run, was truly his right-hand man.

Special section, Page 3 Opinion Ozarkers remember Carnahan. Page 16A Roger Wilson, who was sworn in as governor early today, had to fight back tears as he talked to reporters during a news conference Tuesday in Jefferson City. If the late Mel Carnahan were to be elected to the Senate over incumbent John Ashcroft, it would be up to Wilson to appoint a replacement. The Associated Press Wilson, who was sworn in early today, will still be leading the state when the new senator is sworn in Jan. 3, so he would make the appointment.

In order for Wilson to appoint another Democrat party leaders say they have to let voters know it's legal for them to vote for the two-term Missouri governor. It wasn't known Tuesday what funds the Democratic Party would use for the informational campaign. Tuesday, many of the party faithful fanned out across town, stapling black ribbons to Carnahan signs. A Carnahan sign in Claude Arnold's yard had two new black ribbons stapled on. Would the Springfield man still vote for the governor from Rclla? "I would if I could," he said Tuesday.

By Laura Bauer Menner News-Leader By week's end, members of the Democratic Party hope to launch an informational campaign urging people to vote for the late Gov. Mel Carnahan for the U.S. Senate. Carnahan died in a plane crash Monday night, but because his death came so near to Election Day, his name has to remain on the Nov. 7 ballot "It's still our goal to have Mel Carnahan win that's what he would have wanted," Steve Stepp, chairman of the Greene County Democratic Party, said Tuesday.

"We're not going to give it up easily." If Carnahan is elected over incumbent Sen. John Ashcroft, the Missouri Constitution states the governor at the time would appoint someone. Gov. Roger retorms, was a national leader on health care and worked to make the state's streets and neighborhoods safer. More than this, Mel was a good Ashcroft On the Web For ongoing coverage of the aftermath of Gov.

Mel Camahan's death, visit the News-Leader on the Internet At www.OzarksNow.com, youH find: Updated coverage from the crash and the unfold- Ing political story in Jefferson City. A photographic tribute to the governor. An electronic poH question focusing on the November election. An opportunity for you to share your thoughts and condolences about Gov. Carnahan.

Roger "Randy" Carnahan and Chris Sifford. friend." Carnahan was locked in a bitter battle with Sen. John Ashcroft in a U.S. Senate race that had caught the eye of the nation. See MOURN, Page 18A WEATHER JUDEX A Gannett Newspaper Vol 110, No 292 5000, News-leader 1B Ozarks (Automotive 11C vjcrons lot.

Real Estate For Sale 16C Rentals 17C Blimey, we've 7A got a spot ot Londonesque tog today. 5fc Relax witha nmrtf tw I A Horoscope 63 Steve Koehtef 1B life Times 5B Lottery 2B Merchandise 15C Money 1A Movies 78 Classified Crossword Dear Abrjy 9C 8B 8B 48 1C At Dillard's Deaf From Estee Lauder It's (tic Uerrics jour all-new gift with any Estee Lauder purchase of 20.00 or more. Worth 60.00 Sports Stocks Television Weather 15A 7B 2A Employment 9C ii clears eartv this Precipitation: 10 morning 2A Garage SaiesISC Optmon 16A "4090142035.