By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

U.S. Rep Jo Ann Emerson is the scheduled guest speaker Monday evening a county gathering of Republicans.

Emerson will speak this evening at the regular monthly meeting of the Stoddard County Republican Club. The GOP meeting is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Hickory Log in Dexter. Club members will gather at 5:30 for a dutch treat meal.

Emerson was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, representing the people of Southern Missouri. She is the Dean of Missouri’s congressional delegation, having served in the Congress longer than any other official currently elected in the state. She is the first Republican woman to represent Missouri in Congress, where she is a leading advocate for farm families and the promotion of America's agriculture, hunger relief, pro-life issues, and access to safe, affordable prescription drugs.

She is the Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee and also sits on the Agriculture Subcommittee and Legislative Branch Subcommittee. She believes her extensive involvement in economic development and rural policy issues enables her to serve her constituents to the best of her abilities.

Emerson is also an Honorary and Life Trustee of Westminster College in Fulton. A former Girl Scout, Jo Ann is a leading supporter of the organization in Congress. She is co-chair of the Board of Directors for the Congressional Hunger Center, and a founding member of the Bipartisan Congressional Retreat, whose mission is to foster better relations in Congress with members from each party.

Also on the agenda for the Monday county meeting is State Rep. Cole McNary, who is seeking the GOP nomination for State Treasurer, and county treasurer candidate Mike Watkins and state Representative Bob Thrower.