To the editor:

The letter to the editor in the Southeast Missourian, "Emerson has taken casino money," has a glaring error.

First and foremost, the statement that Jo Ann Emerson has "received $5,000 from Harrah's Entertainment" in the 1996 campaign is incorrect.

Dennis O'Neal, the letter writer, is incorrect about this contribution, and the headline is extremely misleading considering the facts. I have reviewed Mrs. Emerson's Federal Election Commission report, and there is no such contribution. Either Mr. O'Neal has intentionally made a misstatement in his allegation, or his source of information is not correct.

MEL KASTEN, Chairman

Cape Girardeau County Republican Central Committee

Cape Girardeau