If U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson decides to make a bid for the U.S. Senate next year, he likely can count on retaining much of his base support in the 8th District - even if former Gov. John Ashcroft decides to enter the race.

Cape Girardeau County Republican Chairman and state committeeman Ralph Ford said: "If Bill decides not to run, I could possibly support John Ashcroft. But if Bill decides to run, Bill Emerson is my man. If Bill decides this is what he wants to do, I will support him, regardless of who else might run."

Ford said that seems to be the prevailing attitude among people he has talked with around the 8th District. "If Bill sets his mind and says he wants to do this he will have many people behind him," said Ford.

Blair Moran of Sikeston, who is past chairman and current treasurer of the 8th District Republican Committee, said, given the choice between Ashcroft and Emerson, without hesitation he'd be for Emerson.

"Ashcroft has name identification, but being governor in the state for eight years, Ashcroft has picked up a lot more negatives, which is a plus for Emerson," said Moran. "I don't know how he will play elsewhere, but I think Republicans in the 8th District have better rapport with Emerson than Ashcroft."

Four Southeast Missouri Republican state representatives also expressed a preference for Emerson over Ashcroft; however, they all agreed that Ashcroft would be a good choice for the Senate.

"I would certainly support Emerson if he decides to run, from the names I've heard mentioned, including John Ashcroft," said Rep. David Schwab, R-Jackson. "He's well qualified to be senator."

Rep. James Graham, R-Fredericktown said, "With him being my congressman, I would pick Emerson over Ashcroft."

But not every Republican leader in the area was ready to choose Emerson over Ashcroft. John Lichtenegger, a Jackson attorney who has been a party leader and associate of both Ashcroft and Emerson, said, "The state of Missouri would do quite well with either John Ashcroft or Bill Emerson as its United States senator.

"If I was choosing today, the person I think would have the best chance of winning the race is Ashcroft," he said. "His name recognition and the great job he did as governor and attorney general would make him the most electable."

Lichtenegger said: "I would encourage John Ashcroft to run for this position. But, if Ashcroft does not run, I would be the first volunteer for Bill Emerson's campaign."

The best scenario for Missouri, Lichtengger said, is having Emerson continue in Congress with Ashcroft and U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond serving as senators.

"I want both of them there; that's my preference," said Lichtenegger.

State Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, declined to state a preference between Ashcroft and Emerson.

Said Kinder: "I think we ought to have a full airing of all the possible candidates. If Bill Emerson wants to pursue this he should be encouraged. He has been a good, solid legislator who has delivered for the people of Missouri, and I think he would make a good senator. At this point I have not heard John Ashcroft say he is going to run, and the race is wide open. It is wide open on the Democratic side as well.

"A bomb was dropped by Sen. Danforth's announcement on Monday," Kinder said. "We need a full airing of potential candidates and see what the reaction is. It is a free country and anybody can jump in."

In a race between Emerson and Ashcroft, Rep. Mark Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, said Emerson would be the underdog. He said Ashcroft has statewide name recognition and is "a symbol of honesty and integrity."

But Richardson said he believes Emerson might be better able to fill the void left by the loss of Danforth's seniority because of his experience in Congress. "Considering his legislative experience, his contacts in office, in my judgment he would clearly be the best choice of the field that has been mentioned," said Richardson. "He has a proven ability to get things done."

Lichtenegger said voters are looking for honesty and integrity and those traits fit both men well. "Bill and John are both at the top of the list in that category," said Lichtenegger. He said both are conservative.

Lichtenegger said Ashcroft has a high regard for Emerson and the two have worked well together over the years.

"John Ashcroft has told me many times that Bill Emerson is the most effective congressman he has worked with," said Lichtenegger. "As governor, when he needed help in Washington, he'd call on Bill Emerson. He respects Bill Emerson's ability to get things done."

Ford agreed that integrity is a key characteristic of Emerson. He said it takes a special kind of person to command respect from Democrats as well as Republicans. If he could not attract Democratic support, Ford said there is no way he could have kept his seat in this district.

Said Ford: "He's a people person. He's a party man, but if he disagrees with the party stance he will say so. I respect him for that. He has always tried to do what he thought was best for the 8th District."

Emerson said the ability to maintain Democratic support would be a key to his decision on whether to run for the Senate.

Rep. Larry Thomason, D-Kennett, said Democrats would come closer to crossing over party lines for Emerson than they would for Ashcroft. "If I had to choose between Bill Emerson and John Ashcroft, I would back Bill Emerson," said Thomason.

But Thomason said he anticipates Democrats offering "a first-class candidate" that would be supported by all Democrats.

Thomason said Emerson's strong stance on agriculture issues has helped him win Democratic support in the Bootheel. If the Democratic nominee for the Senate was not strong on farm issues, Thomason said it is possible Emerson might be able to retain some of his Democratic support.

Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, said Emerson will excel in whatever job he holds. "I'm one of Congressman Emerson's greatest fans," she said. "I think he has done a great job. He has been accountable, has been true to his constituents' needs, and has had exemplary service," said Kasten.

"I can see those same characteristics giving us a fine senator. He has a reputation all over the state for being a fine, outstanding congressman. If he wants to give it a whirl, I'd certainly support him."

Schwab, who has been active in every Emerson campaign, said he would urge Emerson to run for the Senate. "He has a good record of working with the people and is very knowledgeable of the issues that affect us in the state of Missouri," he said.

Moran said Emerson stays in touch with people. "He is accessible and you can talk to him. Too many politicians, once they get in office, become aloof and arrogant. Congressman Emerson is certainly the exception," said Moran.

"I would have no problem with him as the senator," said Graham. "His staff has always been very cooperative with me, and I would expect the same service in the Senate."

Graham echoed the sentiments of several Republicans who are hoping the Senate primary in 1994 will not be a repeat of the bitter three-way Republican gubernatorial primary last year.

"I think of all the names mentioned they are men enough to sit down and work this out," said Graham.

"Bill Emerson has been an awfully good friend and supporter of mine, both as a representative and as my congressman," said Richardson. "I would be proud to support him over anybody else whose name has been mentioned. I'm excited about the possibilities of what Bill Emerson could do for Missouri, considering what he has done for Southeast Missouri."