CAPE COUNTY REPUBLICAN GROUP ENDORSES EMERSON

The Cape Girardeau County Republican Central Committee has endorsed Jo Ann Emerson for the 8th District congressional seat.

The committee endorsed Emerson at a meeting Tuesday in Cape Girardeau.

Committee members are backing Emerson in the general election. They also want her to be the Republican nominee in the special election.

The party's 8th District committee will decide on the GOP nominee for the special election when it meets Tuesday in Poplar Bluff.

Emerson is running as an independent candidate in the November general election because it was too late to file as a Republican after the death in June of her husband, Bill Emerson.

"Jo Ann is a tireless campaigner who represents the values of the 8th congressional district and understands the necessity to continue the legacy of common sense, conservative representation and service," said Mel Kasten, committee chairman.