U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson wants changes in the nation's farm policy to provide a safety net for farmers.

She also wants to preserve Social Security and Medicare. She said government has a contract to provide retirement security for America's elderly.

The Cape Girardeau Republican discusses those and other issues in an interview on Page 11A in today's Southeast Missourian.

The newspaper asked the same 13 questions of all three candidates for the 8th District congressional seat.

An interview with Libertarian candidate John Hendricks ran Tuesday. An interview with Democratic candidate Tony Heckemeyer will be published Thursday.

Emerson, 48, was elected to Congress in 1996, succeeding her late husband, Bill.

Emerson said she has the ability to get things done in Congress. She describes herself as "a consensus builder."

She opposes gun control. She wants a fairer tax system, but is uncertain if a flat tax or a national sales tax would be the best solution.

Emerson has raised nearly $1 million for her re-election effort. She said she believes too much money is spent on election campaigns, and there should be full disclosure of all money spent.