FRIENDS EXPECT EMERSON TO WAGE FIGHT ON CANCER

Friends of U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson say he will fight his recently diagnosed lung cancer the way he fights for constituents and issues: head-on with a positive attitude.

The eight-term Republican from Southeast Missouri's 8th District disclosed Wednesday that he has lung cancer and plans to begin a series of treatments Friday at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

"He's a fighter," said Missouri Rep. Mary Kasten of Cape Girardeau, a fellow Republican. "He fights for the people of his district. I hope that the fight will now be for himself.

"To me he is the greatest congressman we have in the whole U.S.," she said. "Hundreds of thousands of people will be praying. I believe he will be well again."

Emerson, 57, of Cape Girardeau, said his doctor has told him that through aggressive treatment the cancer may be contained. He said he will undergo a combination of radiation and chemotherapy to treat the cancer.

The cancer was found in his left lung following tests that were ordered after a routine physical last week revealed a form of walking pneumonia.

Emerson said a recent diet has improved his strength and that should make the treatments easier for him.

He said he won't miss any work in Congress. He presided over the House in the speaker's chair during debate Wednesday.

"Although my traveling will be limited for a few weeks, I will continue the business at hand in my personal offices, committees and on the House floor," Emerson said in a statement. "And I fully expect to run for re-election next year."

Emerson, who smokes more than a pack of cigarettes a day, has started a program to stop smoking.

Emerson was told about the cancer Monday. He told his staff the next day and then personally contacted most members of the Missouri delegation, as well as House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga.

His statement Wednesday said people should "not be unnecessarily alarmed."

"I am optimistic that my treatments will be successful," he said. Emerson said his wife, Jo Ann, and family "ask for your prayers and support during the coming weeks."

Lloyd Smith, who manages Emerson's Cape Girardeau office, said dozens of people called Wednesday to offer support.

"Bill is an optimistic person," Smith said. "He feels real comfortable with the protocol of treatment.

"Bill's a very spiritual person and believes that everyone working and praying together will make a big difference in a positive way," Smith said.

Missouri Sen. Peter Kinder served as Emerson's campaign manager during Emerson's first two campaigns in 1980 and 1982.

"I got to know what an iron constitution he has," Kinder said. "He's a very strong person physically and has strong spiritual resources to draw on. I think he's up to this challenge, absolutely."

Kinder said he was told the cancer was discovered at an early stage.

"He will not lay down," he said. "He'll be one to fight. His whole family and thousands of friends will be supporting him all the way."

Missouri Rep. David Schwab, R-Jackson, served as chairman of Farmers for Emerson during Emerson's first campaign.

"Over the years I've watched Bill face many challenges," said Schwab. "He has always met them head-on and dealt with them directly. I look to him to face this situation head-on, and I'm sure he will keep a positive attitude."

(Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press.)

EMERSON DIAGNOSIS

*U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, 57, was diagnosed Monday with lung cancer.

*Treatment for the cancer begins Friday at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, D.C.

*Emerson, who smoked more than a pack of cigarettes a day, has begun a program to stop smoking.

*A Cape girardeau Republican, emerson has served Missouri's 8th district since 1980.

*Doctors have told Emerson he can continue his work at the Capitol during the chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He presided over the House in the speaker's chair during debate Wednesday.

*Emerson is vice chairman of House Agriculture Committee, and plans to continue work on welfare reform, food stamp reform and the farm program budget.