CON/MORE FILINGS: ... SOME INSIDERS PUT THEMSELVES ON THE OUTS

This editorial is from the Springfield News-Leader and was published just before Rep. Bill Emerson's funeral in Cape Girardeau.

U.S. Rep Bill Emerson is not even buried yet, and already his memory is being sullied by politicians intent on proving that a mannerly leader was out of touch with the times.

Emerson, after his death Saturday of complications from lung cancer, was lauded by Republicans and Democrats for his dedication to principles, his fight against hunger, and his ability to put partisanship aside.

"He worked hard, he stood by his principles, and fought hard for them, but it never got personal with him," said Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Lexington and a close friend to the Republican Emerson.

Emerson himself, after signing a bipartisan "civility pledge" in the House, said: "Americans expect their leaders to do the people's work in the people's House by respecting one another, regardless of political differences or personal beliefs. We have to be able to work with one another person to person."

So what would he think of the personal attacks being launched in the aftermath of his death?

After Emerson died, Missouri Secretary of State Rebecca Cook said a 1995 change in state election law prevented her from opening filing for the seat.

The law says if an incumbent dies or withdraws from a race before the 11th Tuesday before a primary election (May 21 in this case), then filing will reopen for five days. The law says nothing about the death of a challenged incumbent after that date. That means there is no legal way to reopen filing.

Is this good public policy? Probably not. But the bill that included the change passed the Senate unanimously and the House 108-47. Many of those who would now like to run for Emerson's seat voted for it.

Instead of acknowledging their oversight, they want to blame Cook. Missouri Republican Party Chairman Woody Cozad launched a blistering personal attack on Democrat Cook's integrity, accusing her of "misreading the law to benefit party insiders".

Whoa there. It's the party insiders -- Republican and Democrat -- who find themselves in the unaccustomed position of being on the outs. And they are advancing in the insulting presumption that only an insider can be qualified to replace Emerson.

The congressman, like any seven-term incumbent, was considered unbeatable. "Name" candidates avoided the race. The two Republicans and three Democrats who did file were considered naive -- or worse. They didn't have a chance.

Now one of them could be elected.

Imagine that. A regular person, not a party insider, in position to represent the 8th District in Congress

How the insiders are fuming, especially the Republicans who fear they're about to lose a safe seat. They want the two people who are willing to risk an unwinnable race to step aside and let a "qualified" candidate run. Because the candidates aren't likely to do that, the party wants Cook to twist the law.

Yet, despite all the presumptuous rhetoric, nothing is stopping any Republican or Democrat from running. They just have to subject themselves to the same indignities outsiders have become accustomed to.

For instance, anyone who can gather 3,700 signatures by July 29 -- which isn't that much of a hurdle -- can run as independent. It will take more work, more education of voters, but it can be done. If the insider is really the more qualified candidate, he or she can win. Going that route might even make them a better, more responsive representative.

And that would be a proper tribute to Emerson -- certainly better than the spoiled-child antics that have marred his mourning.