Emerson will not run for governor

Citing unfinished business in Congress and after "searching my soul during these last five days," U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson announced Monday that she will seek re-election rather than run for governor of Missouri.

Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, became the latest of about a half-dozen potential Republican candidates to make a decision.

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau and state treasurer Sarah Steelman are already running for the GOP nomination. House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, and U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia, are also considering entering the contest, as are U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway and Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph.

The scramble for the Republican nomination began last week with Gov. Matt Blunt's unexpected announcement that he would not seek a second term.

The decision wasn't an evaluation her chances, Emerson said. "I frankly believe I would make a very good governor and I could win."

In a prepared statement read to reporters in a conference call from Washington, D.C., Emerson said the decision was not an easy one.

"What makes it difficult to run for governor is the same thing that makes it a great job; it's a tremendous responsibility with even greater opportunities to represent Missourians in all walks of life, from every part of our state," Emerson said.

Among the unfinished items on the Congressional agenda, Emerson cited the reauthorization of farm support programs as one thing pulling her to remain in her seat. "On the priorities I am passionate about, unfinished work remains," she said. "I feel a deep responsibility to complete those tasks and to see through the changes for which I have promised to work, especially on the farm bill."

Over the past five days, Emerson said she has received numerous calls offering advice and encouragement. She declined to say who had contacted her.

Emerson declined to endorse any candidate in the upcoming primary, citing close ties to candidates from her district -- Kinder, Jetton and Steelman -- and close friendship with Hulshof, who was born in Bertrand, Mo.

Emerson has been somewhat of a maverick among Republicans in the U.S. House, pushing against party leaders over issues such as drug reimportation from Canada. And during a bitterly partisan fight in April 2007 over an Iraq War funding bill that included a deadline for withdrawal of combat troops, Emerson was one of two members who voted "present."

Those stands, which could have been the basis for questioning her fidelity to her party in a tough primary, did not play into her decision, Emerson said.

"It had nothing to do with a primary," Emerson said.

For updates, check back at www.semissourian.com or read Tuesday's Southeast Missourian.

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Congresswoman Emerson's Statement

January 28, 2008

Team Emerson

First of all, let me say that a lot of people have given me a great deal of encouragement and counsel during what has been a very difficult process. I am very grateful for all of the advice and prayers and thoughtful conversations people have taken the time to share with me. This was not an easy decision.

What makes it difficult to run for governor is the same thing that makes it a great job; it's a tremendous responsibility with even greater opportunities to represent Missourians in all walks of life, from every part of our state. We need strong leadership in that position, and I am confident I could provide it. I could also provide a clear course of action to solve the serious problems facing us today: challenges in health care, insurance, poverty, education, agriculture, our state economy. Our next governor must make priorities of all of these issues. More important, our next governor must work with members of both parties to forge consensus and achieve results. It won't be easy.

Let me tell you another story, though, about the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri. I have represented our great part of the state in the U.S. Congress since 1996. In the House of Representatives we are making real progress on many of these same issues, even if it is slow going. On the priorities I am passionate about, unfinished work remains. I feel a deep responsibility to complete those tasks and to see through the change for which I have promised to work, especially on the Farm Bill. Southern Missouri is one of the most diverse agricultural districts in the nation, and it is home to the kindest, most genuine, hardest-working people in the world.

And so I am going to adhere to my calling to serve our Congressional District in Congress, and I am not going to run for governor. I have searched my soul during these last five days at home in Missouri. Maybe under different circumstances, I would have made a different decision. I can't close the door to any future opportunity, but ending my service to the Eighth District in Congress requires a darn good reason, and today, for me, the race for governor just isn't it. I'm also announcing today that I will file to run for re-election to the U.S. Congress, and I am very much looking forward to that campaign.