Emerson endorses Giuliani, will serve as Missouri chairwoman of campaign

Rudy Giuliani's staff may have jumped the gun "a bit" in announcing that Rep. Jo Ann Emerson has endorsed the Republican candidate for president.

It's true, said Jeffrey Connor, Emerson's spokesman.

He said her office will formally confirm the announcement Tuesday.

According to Giuliani's Web site, Emerson will serve as Missouri chairwoman of the New York mayor's presidential bid.

Emerson, the first Republican woman to represent Missouri in Congress, is serving her sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"I'm proud to support Mayor Giuliani for President because he offers the best vision for our nation," Emerson was quoted as saying in the Giuliani press release. "His commitments to protecting American families and advocating fiscally conservative polices are important to Missourians, and I know Rudy is the only candidate who can beat the Democrats next fall."