Emerson, the right choice

In my opinion, it's not hard to understand why our economy is still struggling with the uncertainty small-business owners, like myself, are facing with the Obama administration. Why would small-business owners take the risk of expanding their business when the liberals in Congress threaten to punish any success we have with higher taxes, tougher and ridiculous regulations (like cap-and-trade) and the disaster that is now the health care law?

Jo Ann Emerson has proven she is a friend to small business. She has been a voice in Congress for us by standing up against cap-and-trade -- voting not just no, but hell no. She voted against the health care bill, she voted against card check, she has voted for many tax cuts and has gone on record saying she absolutely will vote to extend the Bush tax cuts. She has been endorsed by the NFIB and National Chamber of Commerce because of her business minded steadfastness.

While she's fighting for us, Tommy Sowers is dragging a flag around this district bragging about his support from the Hollywood rich and famous. What his financial support tells me is that it's the liberal elites, who know nothing about small business or Southeast Missouri for that matter, he plans to represent in Congress. Not us.

Last summer, Tommy Sowers told me personally he would vote for the Obama health care takeover. He said that he felt there were so many poor people in this district that it is necessary. Now that Missouri voted overwhelmingly against the health care takeover, I've noticed he's decided he is now against it. Total and typical political flip-flop. Tommy also likes to talk about being born and raised here. He moved away when he graduated high school (aka became an adult) and only moved back last year when he started running for Congress. We need Jo Ann's principled leadership in Congress, not someone like Sowers who's willing to say and do anything necessary to join Nancy Pelosi's majority.

RAY E. REHDER, P.O. Box 1725, Sikeston, MO 63801