Senate Hopeful Would Support Public Hanging

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Joseph A. Schwan, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, opposes the "three strikes and you're out" proposal to keep violent criminals in prison.

"I say, `three strikes and you're dead.' "

Schwan advocates public hangings as a better way to deter crime.

The St. Louis resident filed for the Republican nomination on Feb. 22, the day filing opened.

He will oppose former Gov. John Ashcroft for the GOP nomination for the seat being vacated by Sen. John C. Danforth, R-Mo.

Five Democrats are seeking their party's nomination.

Schwan's entry surprised Republican leaders, who'd expected no primary opposition to Ashcroft. His only quarrel …