(6 of 8)
With Mel Hancock's retirement, the Seventh is up for grabs this year, but Bamberger is the underdog in this solidly Republican district. With years of serving on county boards and task forces and having taught political science to college students for 26 years, she won a six-way primary with 53% of the vote. A longtime Democrat, she staunchly supports labor unions and workers' interests. But even a Website may not bring enough of the right recognition for a political upset.
THE ISSUES
Budget NO Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "I am campaigning on behalf of the family of the student who has to pay the high costs of a distant Congress, not the big-money interests in Washington that seek to increase its distance. We all have had enough."
ROY BLUNT (R) District 7
BORN: Jan. 10, 1950, Niangua EDUCATION: Southwest Baptist U, B.S., 1970; Southwest Missouri State U, M.A., 1972 FAMILY: Wife, Roseann; three children RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: University president; teacher POLITICAL CAREER: Greene County clerk, 1972-84; Missouri Secretary of State, 1985-93 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 278, Strafford 65757. Tel.: 417-863-6868
Blunt, a fifth-generation southwest Missourian, lost his 1992 bid for Governor in a bitterly negative campaign. Not repeating that mistake, he centered this year's primary campaign on Christian character and family virtues--supported by a healthy campaign fund. The conservative Blunt hopes to eliminate "million-dollar pensions" for members of Congress, and believes government should return more decisions to state and local levels.
THE ISSUES
Budget YES Medicare NR Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "I think people clearly believe we're at a very important moment in the history of the country. The era of Big Government should come to an end."
JO ANN EMERSON (R, I) District 8 (Southeast--Cape Girardeau)
BORN: Sept. 16, 1950, Washington EDUCATION: Ohio Wesleyan U, B.A., 1972 FAMILY: Widowed; four children RELIGION: Presbyterian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Public affairs executive; lobbyist POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 400 Broadway, Room 326, Cape Girardeau 63701. Tel.: 573-335-0033
Running as an "Emercrat," Bill Emerson had been the first Republican to carry the Eighth District in 50 years. Lung cancer took the eight-term Congressman's life this year, and his widow is the G.O.P. nominee in a "special election" to finish his term, which officially ends in January. However, in a bizarre electoral twist, she is also running--as an Independent, on the same day--to win the seat for the next term.
THE ISSUES
Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "I run now to continue the Bill Emerson tradition of public service, but I run as Jo Ann Emerson. Ready and happy to let voters judge me on my own ideas and merits."
EMILY FIREBAUGH (D) District 8