HOOKSETT, N.H.--Across the street from a gun shop posting a sign with the words "Go Pat [Buchanan] Go," former Tennessee gov. .Lamar Alexander visited a hunting and fishing shop here in an effort to appeal to conservative Republicans.

"I have come here today to reaffirm my support for the great American outdoors and Second Amendment rights," Alexander said outside of Steve's Sportsmen's Den and Tackle Shop.

Even while proclaiming himself a champion of the great outdoors, Alexander called on the federal government to loosen its controls over the environment.

"We must take out environmental extremists," said Alexander, adding that many federal environmental protection programs, such as the Superfund, have resulted in "more money going to lawyers and less to preservation."

With polls currently indicating that the race here between Patrick J. Buchanan, Sen. Robert J. Dole (R-Kan.) and Alexander is too close to call, Alexander was busy characterizing himself not only as a conservative but also as the only candidate with a vision.

"I am running a positive campaign based on fresh ideas," said Alexander, who told reporters that remaining on the high road and focusing on issues will be the key to victory.

Steve Courchesne, the owner of the sports shop that Alexander visited, agreed that a positive campaign will help the former governor.

"It will help Lamar," said Courchesne, who like Alexander was wearing a red and black plaid flannel shirt. "Let [the other candidates] fling the mud, [Alexander] will walk above them."

Throughout the campaign, Alexander has tried to portray himself as a candidate who appeals to the average worker.

"I am sweeping the votes of young people," Alexander said. "I am ahead in every one of the polls in New Hampshire."

Although he says that he is a strong supporter of federal grants and student loans, the former secretary of education is opposed to retaining the Department of Education.

Some local voters, however, were not taken by Alexander's efforts.

"I think [grass roots] is a front," said Fred McMurry, a resident of nearby Raymond, N.H. "[Alexander] is a crook."

McMury, who cited job opportunities as his biggest concerns, said he will likely vote for President Clinton because he has been employed for the past four years.

"I've been working steady for the past four years," said McMurry. "I'm going to give Clinton another four years."