EMERSON SEEKS SUPPORT FROM STATE LEGISLATORS

U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, a day after writing a letter to President Bill Clinton expressing opposition to dropping the ban on allowing gays in the military, sent a letter to all members of the Missouri General Assembly asking them to pass a resolution opposing Clinton's plan.

Emerson enclosed a copy of the letter he sent to Clinton with the letter Wednesday to state legislators.

Emerson wrote: "In speaking for my constituents in Southern Missouri, I have voiced my opposition to this proposal, and today I am asking you to do the same. A resolution from the Missouri General Assembly in opposition to lifting the ban would voice the thoughts and concerns of middle America on this highly controversial issue."

Emerson argued that allowing gays in the military is "counterproductive to the morale of the men and women of the armed forces as well as the preservation of this nation's security."

Several area legislators said they would vote for such a resolution if one were offered in the General Assembly, though most agreed it would have little influence on the president or Congress.

Others like Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, expressed dismay that the president would push such an unpopular issue.

"I think it's costing him big politically, big time. I can't imagine why he's going through with it," said Kinder. "With all the promises the president is breaking I cannot imagine him keeping this one. I certainly could support such a resolution that Congressman Emerson is suggesting."

Rep. Mark Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, said, "I think it's an excellent idea, and I certainly would support such a resolution."

Kinder said he believes passage of a resolution by the Missouri House and Senate could have an impact in Washington. Others downplayed its likely influence.

State Rep. Dennis Ziegenhorn, D-Sikeston, said: "We've sent resolutions to Congress before asking them not to raise their pay and on other issues, and they don't listen; I don't know why they will listen to this."

Rep. Larry Thomason, D-Kennett, agreed. "I can't imagine that the president or federal government will pay attention to anything the Missouri legislature does. They haven't in the past and see no reason they would in the future.

"But sour grapes aside, one of the last things we consider on the floor of the House is national security. It is something we don't address very often."

Thomason said he understands that national security and morale were some of the same arguments used in the 1940s against integrating the military service with blacks. "I don't think that action subverted the constitution or national security at that time," he said.

But Thomason said other questions need to be considered. He said the issue is much like the abortion question, where you hear from extremes and the answer lies somewhere in between.

However, Thomason said he will follow the will of the people in his district if it comes to a vote.

"I will follow the practice I have followed since I've been here: I will vote the way my district tells me to vote. I will poll the district and follow their wishes," said Thomason.

Ziegenhorn said he expects someone to introduce such a resolution in the House, and, if it comes to the floor, he will vote for it, although he feels it is a federal issue.

"As a constituent of Bill Emerson, I would want him to vote to keep it the way it is," said Ziegnhorn.

One concern Ziegenhorn has is that the gays-in-the-military issue has so many people upset that other issues like the economy are not getting a proper focus. Ziegenhorn said he believes Clinton is focused on other issues, but many in the media and some members of Congress are hung up on the gay issue.

Richardson said he agrees completely with Emerson's position on the issue. "I think he speaks for the vast majority of the constituents in his district and mine," said the representative.

"The resolution, though certainly not binding on Clinton or anyone else at the federal level, is an effective way to send a strong message regarding the feeling of those elected officials at the state level."