REP. EMERSON MAKES DECISION NOT TO SEEK SENATE SEAT

Bill Emerson has served nearly 13 years as U.S. representative from this part of Missouri. In recent months, he studied the idea of broadening the reach of his representation, musing over a run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated in 1994 by John Danforth. In deliberative fashion, he has chosen not to try. Though we think his character, experience and good judgment would serve all Missourians well in the upper chamber of Congress, we understand why he would forsake such a campaign.

Rep. Emerson's style of legislating is best described as low-key. While a well-versed lawmaker with a good grasp on most issues before Congress, he tends to focus on those matters of most significance to people of Missouri's 8th District: transportation, farming, public land management. In this way, he seldom claimed a national spotlight, the type that attracts a broader base of voters and campaign contributors. None of this seemed to trouble Rep. Emerson, who contented himself working in Washington on behalf of his constituents and becoming something of a "legislator's legislator."

However, the surprise announcement of Sen. Danforth in February that he would not seek another term set in motion some unexpected analysis by Mr. Emerson about his political future. Other Republicans were sure to view the race with interest, but because of the unforeseen nature of the senator's decision, all candidates would begin on a relatively level playing field in terms of raising funds and organizing support. The appeal of a Senate seat to Rep. Emerson is obvious; the influence is increased (being one of 100 as opposed to one of 435) and there is a greater likelihood that a Republican in the Senate might serve in a majority party (something Mr. Emerson has never experienced in the House).

Ultimately, the availability and ill-disguised desire of former Gov. John Ashcroft to seek the Republican nomination for the Senate seat probably convinced Rep. Emerson his efforts would be wasted. Mr. Ashcroft has proven himself in statewide races and finds himself better positioned for the Senate bid.

Since first being elected to Congress in 1980, Bill Emerson has received 744,500 votes from constituents, an at-the-polls approval by 58 percent. Those numbers are impressive for a Republican in a part of the state that had previously been seen as a Democratic stronghold. We believe the type of common sense he takes from southern Missouri to Capitol Hill is rare and, though the Democratically controlled House often mutes his efforts, we appreciate the representation he provides. He would make a good U.S. senator, though we respect his decision not to make the race.