Democratic candidate for 8th district, Dr. Jack Rushin, meets with supporters Saturday

The Democratic candidate for Missouri's 8th Congressional District, Dr. Jack "Duke" Rushin, met with supporters at a fundraiser Saturday at Jackson City Park.

A Poplar Bluff chiropractor who has worked in health care for 31 years, Rushin said he has been an advocate in both Jefferson City, Mo., and Washington, D.C., on medical issues.

Now, he hopes to turn his lifelong interest in making things better into a successful congressional campaign. He'll face Republican Rep. Jo Ann Emerson in Nov. 6's election.

"I've sat back and watched the rhetoric that's out there, and I just felt we could do better," Rushin said.

He criticized Emerson, who he says has repeatedly voted for spending bills that have contributed to the national debt during the Bush administration.

"Jo Ann and some of those people on the GOP side are saying that they should be custodians of fiscal responsibility for our nation and I'm just saying their actions do not match their words," Rushin said. "In my personal life, I believe in pay as you go."

Rushin attacked Emerson's voting record on jobs legislation and blamed the Republican Party for stalling bills on both transportation and agriculture until after the November election.

He also said he is

disappointed that Emerson refuses to participate in any debates with him.

Emerson campaign senior adviser Josh Haynes declined to comment on Rushin's statements.

Rushin graduated from Jackson High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University and then attended Life Chiropractic College in Marietta, Ga., where he graduated with his doctor of chiropractic degree in 1980.

He is president of the Missouri Board of Chiropractic Examiners and has served as legislative chairman for the Missouri State Chiropractors Association, helping draft several bills. He has been an assemblyman with a national chiropractic organization working on Medicare issues in Washington, D.C. This is his first run for public office.

mmiller@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

Jackson City Park, Jackson, Mo.

Independence St., Jackson, Mo.