The National Federation of Independent Business has endorsed Jo Ann Emerson for Congress.

The NFIB, the nation's largest small-business advocacy group, announced its endorsement during a news conference at one of Cape Girardeau's small businesses Friday afternoon.

"The 8th Congressional District is dominated by small business and family-owned farms," said Brad Jones, state director of the 12,000-member NFIB-Missouri. He announced the endorsement at Horizon Screen Printing, 430 Broadway.

"Jo Ann Emerson has been a consistent supporter of her late husband's efforts on behalf of small business and farmers and has demonstrated willingness to work for the independent entrepreneur." said Jones.

The endorsement is the second national endorsement for Emerson, who is an independent candidate for Missouri's 8th District congressional seat. She also has the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Emerson, a Cape Girardeau Republican, is one of five candidates running for the 8th District seat. Her main rival is Democrat Emily Firebaugh of Farmington. Also running are Republican Richard Kline, Libertarian Greg Tlapek and Natural Law Party candidate David Zimmer.

U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson died in June of lung cancer. Jo Ann Emerson is running as an independent to succeed her husband.

"Jo Ann Emerson is a valued member of the business community," said Glen Reeves, owner of Horizon Screen Printing and a member of the NFIB-Missouri. "We believe she will be an excellent representative of our interests in Congress. She's the best person for the job."

"I appreciate the NFIB recognizing me as the candidate in this race for Congress," said Emerson. "I want to thank Glenn Reeves for hosting this endorsement event and Brad Jones for the kind words, encouragement and support."

Emerson said she was proud to receive the backing of the nation's most respected and revered small-business group.

"NFIB fights for the everyday concern of folks living and working throughout our district," said Emerson. "If elected, I will fight to reduce the size and scope of federal government through balancing the budget, reducing regulations, lowering and simplifying our tax code."

Something is drastically wrong when the average American has to work 185 days to support their share of government taxes, regulations and paperwork and only 181 days to support his or her family, said Emerson.

Emerson said government regulations and taxes are stifling businesses and employees.

One of issues of particular concern is health-care reform, said Emerson. "I will fight to make health care costs 100 percent deductible for the self-employed and small businesses," she said. "That's a change that will make a difference in people's daily lives.