Rep. Jo Ann Emerson files for re-election in 8th District

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson on Friday filed for a fifth two-year term in Congress.

Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, has represented Missouri's 8th Congressional District since 1996. The district spans 28 counties in the southern part of the state, including those in Southeast Missouri.

Two Democrats filed for the seat earlier in the week -- farmer Dean Henderson of Peace Valley and Jerry Cass of Hartville. The winner of the Aug. 3 Democratic primary will face Emerson in the Nov. 2 general election.

Candidates for other offices who have filed since Tuesday's opening day rush include Judge John Heisserer, a Democrat seeking re-election to his seat on the 32nd Judicial Circuit bench.

Gov. Bob Holden appointed Heisserer circuit judge last March to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Judge John Grimm.

The general election for the post will determine who serves the final two years of the six-year term Grimm won in 2000. The 32nd Circuit covers Cape Girardeau, Perry and Bollinger counties.

After a 20-year absence, Carter County Presiding Commissioner Gene Oakley of Van Buren is seeking to return to the Missouri House of Representatives.

Oakley, a Democrat, will try to unseat incumbent state Rep. Mike Dethrow, R-Alton, in the 153rd District, which serves Carter, Ripley and Oregon counties plus parts of Butler and Wayne counties. Oakley served one term in the House from 1983 to 1985.

The filing period for legislative seats, statewide office and circuit judgeships runs through March 30.

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