EMERSON PICNIC SET FOR TONIGHT

About 500 people are expected to attend U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's annual political picnic tonight in Cape Girardeau.

Atalie Ebersole, Emerson's campaign manager, said 500 people is a good crowd for a non-election year.

In election years, the picnic traditionally draws 700 to 800 Republican supporters.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. today for the fund-raising event at the Arena Building.

Emerson will serve as master of ceremonies at the dinner.

U.S. Sens. Christopher "Kit Bond and John Ashcroft won't be able to attend because of scheduling conflicts.

Two little-known Republicans for statewide office, Tim Whitaker of Trenton and Sam Jones of Mount Vernon, are expected to attend.

Whitaker is running for governor. Jones is running for attorney general.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door. Tickets are $10 per person. Children under 10 years of age will be admitted free of charge.

"We won't turn anyone away. We'll feed them," said Ebersole.