Emerson to decide on gubernatorial run Monday

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) will announce Monday whether she will run for governor, according to a report from a local newspaper. 

{mosads}After a speech to the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce Emerson told the Southeast Missourian that she was weighing whether to keep her congressional seat or join the already crowded field vying to replace Gov. Matt Blunt (R), who announced last week that he would retire at the end of his term.

However, according to the report, Emerson also touted her rising seniority in the Republican conference if she stayed, citing the retirement of her fellow GOP colleagues in the Appropriations Committee. 

Rumors that Emerson may join the mass exodus of GOP lawmakers began quickly following Blunt’s announcement. 

A moderate Republican, Emerson was re-elected to her 6th term in 2006 by 72 percent.