Emerson says she hasn't raised security at constituent meetings

DEXTER, Mo. -- The Tucson, Ariz., shootings will not change how Rep. Jo Ann Emerson conducts business with constituents in the Bootheel, the congresswoman said Monday.

While in Dexter to tour Three Rivers Community College's learning center, Emerson commented on the Jan. 8 shootings that left six people dead and wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

While much has been said in recent days regarding the possible need to step up security at gatherings where elected officials are conducting business among their constituents, Emerson said, "I'm not doing anything differently than before."

"I'm still going to hold my town hall meetings," Emerson said, "and I will not change anything about the way I conduct business."

Emerson cites the Tucson shootings as an isolated incident.

"This was a person with mental challenges," she said, "and I don't think I need to do anything differently based on this insane man's actions."

While Giffords is not a close friend of Emerson's, the congresswomen do work together in Washington toward common goals, and outside of business they play together on a summer softball team.

"She is loved by everyone," Emerson said of Giffords, who continues to improve from a gunshot wound to the head. "She is one of those people who works hard and is always positive, always looking for the good in everything and everybody."

With regard to Missouri's gun purchase laws in the wake of the shooting, Emerson doesn't see the need for any major changes.

"I think our gun laws are fine the way they are, although I think there are some technical points with which we need to deal," Emerson said.

Those technical points would deal with divulging information about a potential gun owner's history.