Jo Ann Emerson defeats former MSTA president Hambacker for sixth term

By TJ GREANEY

Southeast Missourian

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, celebrated her election -day victory with more than 200 supporters at the Drury Lodge.

Emerson beat Veronica Hambacker, 59-year-old former president of the Missouri State Teachers Association from Salem, Mo., and will enter her sixth term in Congress.

Emerson won by a margin of 73 percent to 25 percent with 406 of 492 precincts reporting.

"I think if I should end up winning and stay on this pace, I probably might have exceeded expectations because I vote my district and I listen and I do what my conscience and my constituents say. That's my only compass," Emerson said.

Despite what appears to be a down year for Republicans, Emerson's victory was a strong one. She won in 2004 with 72 percent of the vote.

Longtime supporters weren't surprised she bucked a nationwide trend.

"I wouldn't be surprised at all if she wins by 3 to 1 again," said David Kelley of Pemiscot County. "Pemiscot is normally pretty solidly Democratic, but almost everyone supports her down there. Whether it's what farmers need or responding to the tornado in Caruthersville, she carries the ball on so many things concerning our area."

Phone calls to Hambacker and her campaign manager were not returned.

The incumbent outspent the challenger in this race $919,465 to $41,276 as of Oct. 18.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245

Emerson acknowledged, however, during a 9 p.m. conversation as results were still streaming in, the night might not be all celebrations.

"It's so bittersweet because I've just watched one of my good friends, Anne Northrop of Kentucky, get beaten, so I'm really nervous watching the rest of the races right now," she said.

But she believes her constituents will be in good hands no matter which party controls the house.

"I think given the fact that I have good relationships on both sides of the aisle that our district will be OK in any event, especially because the appropriations committee is a very nonpartisan committee," she said.

Hambacker watched the returns with friends and family from a reception center near her home in Salem.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245