REP. EMERSON ANNOUNCES BID FOR RE-ELECTION

U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson chose the arena in which he announced his first bid for election to Congress to announce his decision to file again for the 8th District seat.

Emerson received a standing ovation after making his announcement from the 275-plus Republicans in attendance at Saturday's 24th annual Lincoln Day celebration at the A.C. Brase Arena Building.

"Over the past year, I have searched and analyzed various options for service in the political arena and have come frankly to the conclusion that my interest and allegiances lie so strongly with the people, the families, the opportunities, the philosophy and the problems of the 8th District that any other venture at this time would be out of character," said Emerson, who plans to file in Jefferson City on Monday.

"The common-sense, conservative values that you and I share are not being pursued by the current administration in Washington," Emerson continued. "Thus, it is more important now, than ever, that I stand up for the ideals that we have fought for these many years."

Emerson's announcement salvaged the evening's agenda after the featured speaker, Arkansas Lt. Gov. Mike Huckabee, sent word that he could not attend.

But Emerson was not the only politician to receive a standing ovation Saturday night.

Retiring U.S. Sen. John Danforth was the object of adulation not only by members of the audience, but by his political peers as well.

Emerson called Danforth "the father of the modern Republican Party in Missouri.

"(Danforth) has been a tremendous inspiration for so many for so long, being in politics without him will seem unnatural," said Emerson. "It has been a great opportunity for us all in Congress to serve with someone so wise and so thoughtful as Jack Danforth."

Emerson turned to Danforth and finished: "You have been exemplary serving people of Missouri."

Danforth rose to the occasion with words of inspiration for his supporters and his hopeful replacement in the U.S. Senate, former Gov. John Ashcroft. But first, he eased the tired audience with a humor all his own.

"This has been a wonderful evening," he said. "If I counted right, I think I'm the 22nd speaker tonight.

"If we keep going a little longer, maybe Mike Huckabee will show up after all," he continued. "I think I'm starting to get hungry again."

Danforth thanked the audience for allowing him to serve the state for the past 26 years, both as attorney general and as a U.S. senator.

"Next Friday will mark the 26th anniversary of the day I announced my candidacy for the attorney general's office," said Danforth. "And as I look around this room, I see people who have been with me since that day.

"It is important for me to thank you for the tremendous opportunity you have given me to serve in public office for these 26 years," he continued. "I can't imagine a more satisfying way to have lived my life."

Danforth told the audience that he was not retiring from anything, but that there were "things I want to do with my life here at home that I just can't do in Washington, D.C."

The retiring senator gave his stamp of approval to Ashcroft, who sat next to him throughout the evening. Ashcroft is running for Danforth's seat in the November election.

"Washington should learn a lesson from our experience in Missouri," Ashcroft said. "I need your help; I cannot serve without your support."

Of his friend and colleague, Ashcroft said: "Jack Danforth has set a standard of integrity, independence, honesty and decency in government. He once told me that real friends are those who challenge you to do your very best. He has challenged everyone with the way he has lived his life."