EMERSON READY FOR MOVE UP

The resignation of a powerful U.S. senator has a far-reaching ripple effect. Choices must be made about filling leadership positions. A major decision lies in the hands of Kansas Gov. Bill Graves, who must appoint a successor to Bob Dole. One of the interesting ripples is the impact that choice could have on Missouri's 8th congressional district.

One likely possibility is that Rep. Pat Roberts, the Kansas Republican who is chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, will be appointed to fill out Dole's Senate term. This would leave open the chairmanship of the ag panel. And Emerson would be a likely choice to head the committee.

This scenario seems to have benefits all around: Kansas would get a seasoned legislator as its new senator, and the House would have a veteran lawmaker from an agricultural district as its top farm leader.