EMERSON TACKLES BIGGEST FIGHT OF ALL

Friends, supporters and close associates of Congressman Bill Emerson shared a sense of dismay, followed by a strong show of support and optimism, when the announcement was made Wednesday that the veteran legislator has lung cancer.

This isn't the first time Emerson's health has been on the minds of those who know him best. His cigarette-smoking habit has long been a concern among those who know him well -- the same folks who have consistently encouraged him to stop. Although he has cut down, he still has been smoking about a pack of cigarettes daily. Now he is beginning a stop-smoking program.

Emerson's stamina has been sorely tested in the past. He was candidly forthright about his successful treatment for alcoholism at the well-known Betty Ford Center in the spring of 1988. And for about a year he has been dieting to reduce his weight -- another successful effort that his doctors say will help as he begins chemotherapy for the tumor in his lung.

Typically, these kinds of health issues are private matters. But any veteran elected official, particularly on the national level, is keenly aware of the unending interest in topics that ordinarily would be kept out of public view. Emerson has represented his Southeast Missouri district in Congress since 1980, and he has been about as open as a politician can get -- and still maintain something of a private life.

More than that, Emerson's profile has become much more highly visible since Republicans gained a majority in the House of Representatives. He has taken on significant prominence on some key issues that are important to his constituents and other largely rural districts throughout the country. Recently he has even managed to buck the House leadership on proposed farm-bill legislation, and it appears a satisfactory compromise has been reached. Emerson also is a leading proponent of making English the nation's official language, a topic that has been highlighted by the recent vote on separatism in the Canadian province of Quebec.

No prognosis for cancer is ever clear-cut. However, Emerson's doctors are taking the approach that he can win this battle, just as he has been the victor so many other times. With his grit, he will be giving the fight against lung cancer every ounce of determination. He is looking forward to another re-election campaign in the coming year and plans to return to Congress for another term.

Emerson's many supporters and well-wishers will be with him all along the way.