Jo Ann Emerson is a nice woman, but she's had 14 years in office. While I trust she had good intentions, she's made too many bad votes, taken too much money from special interests and given too many favors to big business. Her continued denial of lost jobs, her vote for 12 trade deals that have caused our jobs to be outsourced and her vote for the bailout are just symptoms of the greater problem. She's an entrenched incumbent, not someone who can bring fresh ideas to reinvigorate our communities.

I believe we have an unique opportunity to send a real patriot and leader to Congress. Tommy Sowers hasn't been in D.C. for 14 years. Instead, he served our country in the military as a Green Beret and teacher at West Point. Through his "Boots on the Ground" campaign, he has worked incredibly hard to meet voters and learn about this district. I have no doubt that he will work even harder for us when we send him to Washington.

JERRY T. HOWARD, 13593 County Road 437, Dexter, MO 63841