Jo Ann Emerson Returns Home -- To Speak To Washington DC Lobbyists

EDITOR'S NOTE: According to Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's staff in Washington, D.C., Emerson did not actually attend the American League of Lobbyists luncheon. Emerson also didn't have a fundraiser that same night at Charlie Palmer Steakhouse. Information in the article below, submitted by Tommy Sowers campaign manager Jonathan Feifs, is inaccurate.

Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson had a full plate on Tuesday in Washington, DC. At noon, Emerson addressed the American League of Lobbyists during a closed-door luncheon at the exclusive Capital Hill Club. Before running for Congress, Emerson worked as an insurance lobbyist. That evening, Emerson held her second fundraiser this cycle at Washington DC's Charlie Palmer Steakhouse, for the price of $1,000 per attendee.

Back in Southeastern Missouri, Tommy Sowers had a very different kind of day. In Dunklin and Pemiscot Counties, Sowers spoke with farmers and veterans on the issues they struggle with daily. This concluded with a lunch at the Round House restaurant in Caruthersville.

"While Tommy is in the district discussing the important issues for the people that live there, Emerson at home in Washington, cashing lobbyist checks" said Sowers Campaign Manager Jonathan Feifs. "Who is Emerson actually working for? Is she working for the people that she says she serves in Congress, or the lobbyists who keep her campaigns going?"

During the first quarter of 2010, Sowers outraised Emerson by over $70,000, with 99% of his contributions coming from individuals. Emerson's schedule for Tuesday did nothing to dispel the notion that she will continue to focus on lobbyist and PAC fundraising.

Sowers, an 11-year Army Special Forces veteran, is running for Congress against incumbent Jo Ann Emerson, a former insurance lobbyist from Washington, DC. Tommy Sowers is the Democratic candidate for Missouri's 8th Congressional district and does not face opposition in the primary. Emerson will face a Republican primary challenger, cattle rancher Bob Parker, in August.