Rep. Jo Ann Emerson announced today that she will be retiring from the House of Representatives as of February 1st of this next year.  Rep. Emerson, who has been serving Missouri's 8th congressional district since 1996, stated that a new position as Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association was the reason for her announcement. 

Just when you thought that the polical ads were complete for this cycle, Rep. Emerson's resignation will create a flurry of political movement among those seeking the vacated position.  A special election will be prompted for the Missouri 8th district seat. 

"I am not leaving Congress because I have lost my heart for service -- to the contrary -- I see a new way to serve," Emerson announced.  "I did not go seeking this opportunity, but I am excited about the new challenge it offers to find ways to promote strong rural policy."

As you may recall, Rep. Jo Ann Emerson was married to U.S. Representative Bill Emerson, a Republican from Cape Girardeau, in 1975.  Bill was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1980 and reelected due to redistricting in 1982 from the 8th District.  He died from cancer on June 22, 1996, a few months before the end of his eighth term.  His wife, Jo Ann Emerson, subsequently ran and kept control of the seat in 1996.

With the retirement of U.S. Senator Kit Bond at the conclusion of the 111th Congress, Emerson became the dean, i.e., the longest-serving member, of Missouri's congressional delegation.

Her strong dedication to the rural and farm communities has served her area well and she worked hard to grow the economy of her district.  She commented that she would "miss" the work with her "constituents" but was very "excited" about this new opportunity.