EMERSON DEFEATS BURLISON, WINS 8TH DISTRICT SEAT FOR GOP

On Nov. 4, 1980, Bill Emerson did the unthinkable. The Republican candidate defeated longtime U.S. Rep. Bill D. Burlison in what was then the predominately Democratic 10th Congressional District of Southeast Missouri.

Emerson's victory marked the first time since 1928 that a Republican had won a congressional seat in Southeast Missouri.

"We've won the unwinnable race," Emerson said in accepting victory on election night.

It had been a popular belief that no Republican could defeat a Democrat, particularly Burlison, in the district.

Emerson captured 55 percent of the vote in defeating Burlison.

The De Soto Republican mounted a high-spending campaign aimed at Burlison's record in Congress.

Emerson spent $271,640 in his successful campaign. Burlison spent $193,782 in a losing effort.

Burlison of Cape Girardeau had served six terms in Congress.

But Republican Party backing of Emerson, coupled with voter resistance to putting incumbent Democrats back into power, were largely responsible for Burlison's defeat.

Emerson carried 12 counties, many of which were traditionally Democratic and Burlison strongholds.

Emerson's biggest margin of victory was in Cape Girardeau County. Emerson carried the county by an overwhelming 9,714-vote margin.

His next strongest support came from his home county of Jefferson, traditionally Democratic and a strong blue collar county.

The Republican challenger called his victory a "win for better government."

"They wanted a change, and I will give them that change," he said.

Emerson's campaign against Burlison was directed at economic issues. Emerson criticized Burlison's high-spending record.

During the campaign, Emerson characterized Burlison as part of a "government that exists to serve the government, not the people." He said the Democratic incumbent was "one of the greatest contributors to the nation's economic mess."

Said Emerson, "It will not be easy to reverse the growth of government while enlarging personal freedom."

The Republican accused Burlison of taking advantage of the congressional franking privilege. Emerson said Burlison had campaigned "at the public's expense" by mailing pamphlets to 10th District farmers. The pamphlets spelled out Burlison's position on agricultural issues.

Burlison also came under fire for his association with a St. Louis woman, Letha Hance, who was arrested in February 1980 on charges of receiving stolen goods.

Burlison reportedly interceded on behalf of Hance in 1978 when she was suspended from her postal job in connection with a shortage at the Malden post office. She was suspended for 30 days and later transferred to a St. Louis post office.

Emerson said he felt the matter was one of "public trust" and that Burlison had not fully explained the situation.

The Southeast Missourian newspaper in a March 2, 1980, editorial called for Burlison to resign.