On TV, Jo Ann Emerson acts like she's running against Nancy Pelosi. I understand why she would want to -- she'd rather distract voters with lies than talk about her poor record. During 14 years in Congress, Emerson has consistently voted for trade bills that destroyed our manufacturing base. She supported the bank bailout and is now co-sponsoring another taxpayer-funded bailout of poorly managed pensions.

Since Emerson took office, we've lost over 16,000 jobs at 150 plants. Most of this job loss can be attributed to bad trade deals like CAFTA, which she voted for.

These votes against American jobs shouldn't come as a surprise. A former lobbyist, Emerson has taken $4.5 million from special interests.

Jo Ann Emerson claims to represent us, but she's just a rubber stamp for special interests. We need a representative who listens to voters and fights to bring jobs back. That's why I'm supporting Tommy Sowers.

DARLA SHANNON, 1013 Kimberly Drive, Park Hills, MO 63601