Page "John Ashcroft" Paragraph 26

In the Republican primary, Ashcroft defeated Marc Perkel.

In the general election, Ashcroft faced a challenge from Governor Mel Carnahan.

In the midst of a tight race, Carnahan died in an airplane crash two weeks prior to the election.

Ashcroft suspended all campaigning after the plane crash in light of the tragedy.

Carnahan's name remained on the ballot because of Missouri state election laws.

Lieutenant Governor Roger Wilson became governor upon Carnahan's death.

Wilson said that should Carnahan be elected, he would like to appoint his widow, Jean Carnahan, to serve in her husband's place ; Mrs. Carnahan announced that, in accordance with what her husband would have wanted, she would serve in the Senate if he won the election.

Following these developments, Ashcroft resumed campaigning.