Oct. 23
Missouri representative Jo Ann Emerson has done it again. She has endorsed former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani for President. And she's agreed to serve as the chairwoman of his Missouri campaign.
This despite the fact that she disagrees with him on issues like abortion and gun control. And that her colleagues from Missouri have avoided taking sides in the crowded race for a party nominee.
It reinforces Emerson's well deserved reputation as a bit of a maverick...a smart, blunt person who is practical, not ideological when it comes to party politics. She recently crossed the aisle to vote for the SChip program (expanding access to health care for poor children), which prompted a veto by President Bush.
Whether you agree with her positions or not, I for one think it's refreshing to see someone who votes her conscience rather than simply toeing the party line. Washington could use more like her.