DE Assistant Politics Editor

Nearly 50 Southern Illinoisians gathered in Carbondale Tuesday for a victory party for a Republican presidential candidate.

Supporters of Republican candidate Pat Buchanan met at Quatro’s Pizza, in the Campus Shopping Center, to watch the Tuesday election returns from the New Hampshire Primary. Buchanan was announced as the winner of the primary over Bob Dole, Lamar Alexander and Steve Forbes.

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Buchanan supporters said they were pleased with the victory because their candidate represents the viewpoints of conservative, blue-collar workers.

Ray Nowacki, a resident of Murphysboro, said he thought the New Hampshire victory was a good indicator that Buchanan could win the presidential election.

Nowacki said he supported Buchanan because of viewpoints he shares with the candidate.

I support him primarily because of his opposing abortion, his economic position and his opposition to so-called homosexual Americans, Nowacki said. I also think he would make good appointments to the Supreme Court.

Ron Kiser, also a Murphysboro resident, said many Americans do not speak up for their rights and could do so by supporting Buchanan.

I see a handful of American minorities that have grabbed an inordinate amount of power, Kiser said. It’s time for Americans to speak up. I see a lot of people who do little to step forward and declare an interest in the American value system, such as continuing to revere American patriots. We know where he’s coming from, and I think I know where he’ll be coming from months from now when he’s challenged for the presidency.

Rose Ruth Elmore, also from Murphysboro, said she believes Buchanan is the candidate to defeat President Bill Clinton in November.

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Kevin Dillard, coordinator of the 12th Congressional district that organized the event, said the party was scheduled because Buchanan was expected to have a strong showing in New Hampshire.

It’s a victory for us if he receives first or second place, Dillard said. Buchanan is clearly the choice of Southern Illinois and the 12th Congressional District.