Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, announced she won’t be a candidate for governor during the Republican primary in August.
Here’s her statement, which she read:
“First of all, let me say that a lot of people have given me a great deal of encouragement and counsel during what has been a very difficult process. I am very grateful for all of the advice and prayers and thoughtful conversations people have taken the time to share with me. This was not an easy decision.
“What makes it difficult to run for governor is the same thing that makes it a great job; it’s a tremendous responsibility with even greater opportunities to represent Missourians in all walks of life, from every part of our state. We need strong leadership in that position, and I am confident I could provide it. I could also provide a clear course of action to solve the serious problems facing us today: challenges in health care, insurance, poverty, education, agriculture, our state economy. Our next governor must make priorities of all of these issues. More important, our next governor must work with members of both parties to forge consensus and achieve results. It won’t be easy.
“Let me tell you another story, though, about the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri. I have represented our great part of the state in the U.S. Congress since 1996. In the House of Representatives we are making real progress on many of these same issues, even if it is slow going. On the priorities I am passionate about, unfinished work remains. I feel a deep responsibility to complete those tasks and to see through the change for which I have promised to work, especially on the Farm Bill. Southern Missouri is one of the most diverse agricultural districts in the nation, and it is home to the kindest, most genuine, hardest-working people in the world.
“And so I am going to adhere to my calling to serve our Congressional District in Congress, and I am not going to run for governor. I have searched my soul during these last five days at home in Missouri. Maybe under different circumstances, I would have made a different decision. I can’t close the door to any future opportunity, but ending my service to the Eighth District in Congress requires a darn good reason, and today, for me, the race for governor just isn’t it. I’m also announcing today that I will file to run for re-election to the U.S. Congress, and I am very much looking forward to that campaign.”