Emerson may move up resignation date

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Missouri U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson suggested Friday that she may resign sooner than originally planned so that a special election to choose her replacement can be held as soon as possible.

Emerson had announced earlier this month that she plans to resign Feb. 8 to become president and CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. But she issued a statement Friday saying she may leave earlier, if doing so would provide enough time for Gov. Jay Nixon to schedule a special election for April 2.

"I want to minimize the cost and inconvenience involved in this process as much as I can, as well as assuring the people's seat is vacant for as brief a period of time as possible," said Emerson, a Republican from Cape Girardeau.

The Southeast Missourian reported Friday that Secretary of State Robin Carnahan estimated the cost of a special election at $952,000. If the election date coincides with a date for local elections, such as April 2, the cost could be split between local governments and the state.

Nixon has not set a date for the special election.