Emerson says she's not in running for credit union association CEO position

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, named in a trade newspaper as a potential candidate to become president of the Credit Union National Association, said Tuesday she decided long ago not to pursue the opening.

Emerson, a Cape Girardeau Republican, was listed along with three others as "names that have been mentioned" to replace association president and CEO Dan Mica, who has said he will step down no later than the end of this year, the Credit Union Times reported. The list included two state association presidents and U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, D-Tenn.

In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, Emerson said she remains committed to her current job.

"I was approached, but my loyalties lie with the Eighth Congressional District, its families and our communities at home," the prepared statement issued by her office said. "Representing our congressional district is something I'm proud, humbled and honored to do and to continue doing."

Emerson chief of staff Jeffrey Connor, in an e-mail to clarify Emerson's statement, said Emerson was not offered nor will she accept a job with the credit union association and that she has not been under active consideration for the post.

"This was settled quickly and long before today," Connor wrote.

The association board of directors will meet today and may make the selection at that time, Credit Union Times reported.

Emerson, first elected in 1996 to succeed her late husband Bill Emerson, is facing what may be her toughest re-election battle. Former U.S. Army major Tommy Sowers, a Rolla, Mo., Democrat, has raised more money than the incumbent in two of the last three quarters. Texas County, Mo., farmer Bob Parker is challenging Emerson from the conservative right.

In an e-mail appeal sent Tuesday, Sowers campaign manager Jonathan Feifs used the news that Emerson was being mentioned for the job to push supporters for additional money.

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