JO ANN EMERSON DECLARES CANDIDACY

Although a veteran of several congressional campaigns as the wife of U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, Jo Ann Emerson expects the effort to succeed her husband will have a much different feel.

"It's going to be shorter; it's going to be intense; and it's going to be terrific," Mrs. Emerson said following her announcement Wednesday that she will seek her late husband's 8th Congressional District seat.

"I'm just overwhelmed at the excitement and support," she said. "It's remarkable."

More than 300 people from all corners of the far-flung district enthusiastically applauded Mrs. Emerson's decision, announced at the Holiday Inn in Cape Girardeau.

Mrs. Emerson, a Republican like her late husband, must run as an independent. Secretary of State Bekki Cook ruled after Bill Emerson died of lung cancer June 22 that the cutoff date to reopen candidate filing had already passed.

To earn a spot on the Nov. 5 ballot, Mrs. Emerson's supporters must garner a minimum of 3,692 valid signatures of registered 8th District voters by July 29. Keith Kirk of Sikeston, a former aide to Bill Emerson both in the district and in Washington, said the campaign will seek 10 times the needed signatures.

"As you can tell from the crowd today, there is certainly an enormous measure of support for her candidacy," Kirk said. "We had a marching army for 16 years that supported Bill Emerson, and from the people who showed up today and the phone calls we've received, not only do we still have that army but also new recruits."

Although the crowd at her announcement included a number of prominent 8th District Republicans, Mrs. Emerson said she will have to work to win over some voters who normally vote a straight GOP ticket.

"It'll take a big educational effort," she said, "but keep in mind that when Bill first ran this was a two-thirds Democratic district -- although a conservative Democratic district. He had to educate people to vote for him, too."

Two political unknowns -- Richard Kline of Gipsy and E. Earl Durnell of Cabool -- are on the ballot for the Aug. 6 GOP primary. Three Democrats -- Emily Firebaugh of Fredericktown, Thad Bullock of Cape Girardeau and Gene Curtis of Matthews -- will square off for their party's nomination.

Kirk sees Mrs. Emerson's official status as an independent as only a minor hurdle.

"Jo Ann Emerson is a Republican but will potentially be on the ballot as an independent because that may be the only access to the ballot," he said. "We do expect the Missouri Republican Party to be supportive of her candidacy."

In a statement released Wednesday, state GOP Chairman John C. "Woody" Cozad, who has been critical of the decision not to reopen filing, praised Mrs. Emerson's decision, though he did not offer a direct endorsement.

"In light of her own recent personal loss, and in the face of Secretary of State Bekki Cook's efforts to limit the voters' options, it has taken great courage for Jo Ann Emerson to step forward at this moment," Cozad said. "By doing so, she has earned the gratitude of us all."

Mrs. Emerson also plans to pursue the party nomination to fill her husband's unexpired term. Gov. Mel Carnhan has called for a special election to fill the term, but has not yet set a date. It is likely the election will coincide with the November general election.

Appearing on the dais with Mrs. Emerson during the announcement were three of her four daughters -- Liz, Tori and Katharine -- and her mother-in-law, Marie Hahn.

"This decision is made after much prayer, thought and discussion among our family members," she said during her speech. "I run for only one reason: In these critical times, southern Missouri needs someone who knows how to get things done; someone who knows Missouri; and someone who can hit the ground running on day one in Congress."

Mrs. Emerson said her views are similar to those held by her husband. She is a proponent of a balanced budget amendment, pro-life issues, the rights of gun owners, a stronger death penalty and tougher anti-crime and anti-drug legislation. She also supports protection of private property rights and reforms in health care, welfare, immigration and tax policies.

While her opinions mirror those of her husband in many respects, she realizes that it is she, not her husband, that must win over voters.

"I run now to continue the Bill Emerson tradition of public service, but I run as Jo Ann Emerson, ready and happy to let voters judge me on my own ideas and merits," she said.

Mrs. Emerson said her family is excited about the prospect of their mother succeeding their father.

"Our one daughter who is not yet old enough to run said, 'You know Dad really wanted me to do this, but he died too soon so, Mom, I guess you are the next best thing,'" Mrs. Emerson said.

While introducing her Wednesday, State Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, called Mrs. Emerson "uniquely qualified to carry on the legacy" of Bill Emerson.

A native of Bethesda, Md., Mrs. Emerson, 45, was the second wife of Bill Emerson, whom she married in 1975. Her father, the late Ab Hermann, was formerly the executive director of the Republican National Committee.

Though she has never held elected office, she said she has much experience with the workings of government.

She served for the past two years as senior vice president of public affairs for the American Insurance Association, where she dealt with states and property and casualty insurance issues. She previously did similar work for the National Restaurant Association. In the mid-1980s she was deputy communications director for the National Republican Committee.

Being a congressman's wife has also made her acutely aware of the needs and problems of the 8th District, she said.

"I have been to every corner of this district, visited every county in this district and talked to tens of thousands of people in this district," she said.

Bill Emerson's campaign war chest contained around $236,000 as of March 31, the latest filing deadline for campaign finance reports.

Although federal regulations prohibit transferring those funds to another candidate's campaign, the money can be returned to the donors. Mrs. Emerson is then free to solicit those donors for contributions. A source close to the campaign said such a strategy is likely.

The campaign will begin in earnest following a memorial ceremony to be held for the congressman Friday at the U.S. Capitol.