RUSH LIMBAUGH CALLS VISIT PARTY ENERGIZER

President Clinton probably wouldn't be stopping in Cape Girardeau if Republican congressman Bill Emerson were alive, says conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh.

Emerson died June 22 of lung cancer after serving 16 years as congressman from Southeast Missouri's 8th District.

Cape Girardeau is the hometown of Limbaugh, a relentless Clinton critic. But Limbaugh said that isn't why Clinton is starting a two-day campaign swing here today.

"Bill Clinton has better things to do than to go tweak a radio talk-show host," Limbaugh said.

"I would be stunned if he went there and tried to embarrass me or my family," he said.

Five candidates hope to succeed Emerson, but the race is expected to be a contest between Democrat Emily Firebaugh of Farmington and Emerson's widow, Jo Ann Emerson of Cape Girardeau.

Jo Ann Emerson is a Republican. But she filed as an independent candidate for the November general election because the filing period for the primary had closed before her husband died.

Limbaugh said Democrats think they have a solid shot to win the congressional seat.

"This is serious business and every seat is important," he said. Clinton wants to energize Democratic voters, Limbaugh said.

Both Republicans and Democrats concede that the open congressional seat is an inviting reason for Clinton to campaign in Cape Girardeau.

Firebaugh is expected to speak briefly at the 1:30 p.m. Democratic rally that will feature Clinton at Capaha Park.

Firebaugh will hold a rally of her own at Southeast Missouri State University Center's Ballroom after the president's visit. The event is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.

"Obviously, Emily is very excited about this opportunity," Firebaugh spokesman Marc Powers said. "We expect it to be a tremendous boost."

Powers said the excitement over the president's visit should carry over to Firebaugh's candidacy.

Keith Kirk, who manages Emerson's campaign, said the president is trying to shore up Democratic support in the region.

But Kirk said, "This election will not be won or lost because Bill Clinton came to Cape Girardeau."

Kirk said, "People are more concerned about what happens in their hometown and decisions made around their kitchen table than what political operatives in Washington see as the larger context of a political campaign."

Regardless of politics, Limbaugh said Clinton's visit is good news for the city of Cape Girardeau.

Clinton is coming into a traditionally Republican county. He lost the county in 1992 to George Bush.

"I don't think he is going to change conservative minds," said Limbaugh. "They are going into a lion's den."

Limbaugh suggested on his radio show that he should hold a fund-raiser for GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole in Clinton's hometown of Hope, Ark.

He had lightheartedly thought of offering a Cape Girardeau greeting to the president. "I was going to hire a plane to carry a banner that simply says, `Rush says hi and welcome to Cape.'"

When all is said and done, Clinton's campaign stop will be largely about political show business, Limbaugh said.