Emerson Will Time Departure to Minimize Gap in Service

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) will resign from Congress on a timeframe designed to give Missouri Governor Jay Nixon the flexibility to schedule a special election to coincide with the April 2, 2013 state-wide General Municipal Election.

"My foremost priority is to be sure that the Eighth Congressional District is well-represented in Congress. April 2 is the most likely date for the Governor to set a special election, so I want to minimize the cost and inconvenience involved in this process as much as I can -- as well as assuring the people's seat is vacant for as brief a period of time as possible," Emerson said. "At the same time, I am working for our district until the day I leave elected office. I will have to make the best decision I can, knowing what votes may be scheduled and with the consultation of the Speaker of the House, to time my departure. But I have every intention of making sure the Governor has the ability to restore representation to the people of the Eighth District by holding a special election on April 2 if he chooses."