EMERSON WEIGHS RUN FOR U.S. SENATE

Veteran U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson said Tuesday he plans to seriously consider running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by John Danforth next year.

"Sen. Danforth has said he's not going to run for the Senate again, and I think it is something I should look at, said Emerson. "I will not say I am going to do it or not going to do it," the Cape Girardeau Republican said in an interview from his office in Washington Tuesday.

"I'm going to take a look at it. I don't have any preconceived notions about it. There are a lot of different factors I would want to consider before arriving at any conclusions," Emerson said.

Like everyone else, Emerson was surprised by Danforth's announcement that he would not seek a fourth term. Emerson said he learned of the news when he called his office from an airport in Nashville, Tenn.

Emerson said he has not had an opportunity to think through any kind of timetable, but he had received a number of calls encouraging him to seek the seat.

"I have gotten calls from good friends and supporters telling me I ought to be thinking about it," said Emerson, "and I'm interested in what other people think about that idea. I'm not drawing any conclusions and would like to know what other people's perceptions are."

The 55-year-old Emerson was first elected to Congress in 1980, when he defeated 12-year Democrat Bill Burlison. Emerson won the seat in a district that was regarded as strongly Democratic by attracting support from conservative Democrats - referred to by some as "Emercrats."

The ability to attract Democratic support could be a big factor in his decision on a Senate race, Emerson said.

"I would have to look at my ability to attract Democratic votes, which I have been successful doing in the past. Conservative Democrats have always been part of my coalition," he explained. "Those people have been among my staunchest supporters over the years. I do have an ability to appeal to conservative Democrats, and it is a factor I think about and an element I'm always cognizant of."

Former Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft is regarded as the most likely Republican candidate to succeed Danforth. Ashcroft, who left office Jan. 11 and lost a bid to become Republican national chairman last weekend, has not ruled out a Senate race but indicated he wants to work in the private sector for a while before making a decision.

After Ashcroft, several Republican prospects are mentioned, but none have credentials that exceed what Emerson could offer as a candidate.

The only statewide Republican officeholder remaining after last November's election is Auditor Margaret Kelly, who is reportedly not interested in the seat. Of the three Republican U.S. House members from Missouri, Emerson is by far the senior member.

With only a handful of top Republican officeholders left in Missouri, Emerson is highly sought as a speaker for GOP functions around the state a role that could help him prepare for a statewide race.

"I have received a number of invitations," said Emerson. "I'm one of fewer rather than one of more."

On Tuesday Emerson said he had not had time to think a Senate race through enough to say whether Ashcroft or the entry of any other Republican would keep him from running.

"I am anxious to talk with (former) governor Ashcroft," said Emerson. "I would have a high regard for whatever conclusions he may come to."

Until Danforth's announcement, Emerson acknowledged that one of the future political options he was contemplating was a race for governor in 1996. Emerson said he was not near a point of laying groundwork for a governor's race because that election is a long way off.

"People have asked me from time to time, what about the Senate or governor? Frankly, my response throughout my tenure in Congress has been that I feel we have good senators and we have a good governor," said Emerson.

"There was no question back in 1986 that (U.S. Sen.) Kit Bond as a former governor was the logical person to run for the Senate. I had no compunction to run for the Senate at that time because I thought Kit was a fine governor and would be a terrific senator. Jack has always been there in the Senate, and the governor has either been Bond or Ashcroft.

"Now it's a whole new ball game," said Emerson.

There has also been some speculation - even among loyal Emerson supporters - that the congressman might be contemplating retirement.

But Emerson said some supporters may have misread comments he has made about taking things one term at a time. "I have always taken it a term at a time; I truly have. I have also said that I am not driven in this job by ambition," said Emerson.

"I have a concept of public service and take the job exceedingly seriously. I am highly honored to be in Congress and take very seriously the trust people have bestowed on me. I think I reflect the sentiments of the people. That's what drives me."

Emerson explained that every two years he takes time to assess what he has accomplished and whether to seek a new term. That usually comes during the lull of the August recess or following adjournment of the first session in the fall.

"I go about this very systematically. I talk to my wife, my kids, staff, and political allies; I do this in a very serious way," said Emerson.

At this point, Emerson has no schedule for making a decision, but may establish a timeframe soon. The congressman also believes that in order to organize a proper campaign he might have to make his decision well before next fall.

"Right now I will have my assessment time and take a look at it," said Emerson.