CARNAHAN: NOVEMBER ELECTION TO FILL VACANCY LIKELY

Gov. Mel Carnahan said he likely will call a special election to coincide with the Nov. 5 general election to fill the unexpired term of U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson. The Cape Girardeau Republican died Saturday of lung cancer.

But Carnahan said he hasn't made a final decision and will listen to both Republican and Democratic party leaders. The earliest the special election could be held is Sept. 10.

"There is no cause to move quickly," Carnahan told reporters Wednesday during a visit to Old St. Vincent's Church in Cape Girardeau to pay his respects to the congressman.

With only six weeks to go before the Aug. 6 primary, there isn't enough time under Missouri election laws to call a special election for that date.

A new state law requires 10 weeks' notice once a special election is called. The old law called for eight weeks' notice.

Districtwide committees of the Democratic, Republican and Libertarian parties would select nominees for the special election.

The special-election winner would be able to immediately go to Washington -- and if that person is also the winner in the general election, he or she would have seniority over other freshmen taking office in January.