FARM BUREAU ENDORSES REP. EMERSON

Farm Bureau's Southeast Missouri political action committee has announced the unanimous endorsement of Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson for an eighth term.

Trustees representing 26 counties in the 8th District voted to again endorse Emerson this year after interviewing candidates running for the office.

Southeast Missouri FARM-PAC Chairman Lanie Black of Charleston said Emerson is one of the top ranking members of the House Agriculture Committee and his voting record the last 14 years has been favorable to agriculture and the Farm Bureau.

Black said Emerson has helped agricultural interests in southern Missouri by helping find new markets for crops, including cotton and rice. Emerson was also instrumental in the defeat of the BTU tax and has supported agricultural interests in the NAFTA agreement and in environmental areas.

The PAC trustees also unanimously endorsed 20th District state Sen. Danny Staples, D-Eminence, who is seeking a fourth term this year.

Darrell Dement, a trustee from Reynolds County, said Staples had consistently supported agriculture and Farm Bureau policy since 1983.

In particular, Staples was cited for his support of the Private Property Rights Act and tax issues that have been helpful for rural Missouri and agriculture.