EMERSON, STATE GOP FIRE BACK AT DEMOCRATS

Missouri Republicans wasted no time firing back at Gov. Mel Carnahan for his remarks in Washington Thursday with other Democrats about the GOP's Contract With America.

U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, R- Cape Girardeau, called Carnahan's remarks "distortions," adding: "There's no two ways about it."

State Rep. Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City, said Carnahan "is missing the boat" on welfare reform.

Carnahan, chairman of the Democratic Governor's Association, said the House Republican reform package would hurt lower-income and poor Missourians.

On Tuesday, a Republican welfare reform bill in the Missouri House was defeated in committee, 7-6, on a party-line vote.

Scott said state Republicans are crafting reform in tandem with the Republican Congress and are ready to work with block grants, adding that Missouri would save $22 million with the GOP plan.

"Unfortunately, the governor is trying to deny these changes," Scott said. "If we wait for him, the ship of opportunity is going to sail and we're going to be left at the dock waving goodbye."

Emerson said he "can't believe the governor says the Contract With America takes the wrong direction," adding that Carnahan must be "really out of touch."

Emerson, who signed the contract and favors block grants, said handing funds to the states to spend as they need gives flexibility to the states.

Block grants are especially needed to combat crime, he said.

Carnahan said Missouri would lose almost 600 police officers under the Contract With America.

"Not all communities neccesarily need another cop on the beat as the cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all Clinton-Carnahan approach mandated," Emerson said. "Instead, they might need surveillance equipment, squad cars or other crime-fighting tools."

Caucus leader Scott said the block grants will give Missourians a chance to take advantage of changes "to save money and regain control of government."