LETTERS: EMERSON HAS TAKEN CASINO MONEY

To the editor:

To the surprise of us Democrats, it appears state Sen. Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau is supporting Tony Heckemeyer for Congress instead of Jo Ann Emerson.

In the Oct. 18 Southeast Missourian, Senator Kinder writes about gambling contributions to political candidates. Kinder states, "If we're going to have legalized gambling in Missouri, whom do you want in office regulating and passing laws on the gambling industry? The candidates and officeholders who take their money? Or the ones who, needing funds, nonetheless refuse the tempting offer on principle?"

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Emerson received $5,000 from Harrah's Entertainment during her 1996 campaign. Harrah's owns casinos. According to the same source, Heckemeyer has not received any campaign contributions from any casinos. It is very clear that Kinder supports candidates who did not receive campaign contributions from casinos such as Heckemeyer.

I also wonder if Kinder supports candidates who did not receive funds from the beer industry. In both the 1996 and 1998 elections, Emerson received $5,000 in contributions from the National Beer Wholesalers Association. Heckemeyer has not received any funds from this organization.

Emerson has also received funds from diverse groups such as Faith Family and Freedom PAC (in 1996) and over $50,000 total from 25 different insurance companies in 1998.

I am relieved to know we have elected officials such as Kinder who can identify potential influence buying and then take a stand. It is refreshing that Kinder is in support of Heckemeyer.

DENNIS O'NEAL

Cape Girardeau