Endorsements reveal political concerns

I have always questioned the value and/or weight of a political endorsement. I suspect that some voters teetering on the fence between two candidates might be swayed with an endorsement they find compelling for whatever reason. I hope that's the case because I've been making political endorsements for three decades. And I'll continue until I get one right!

Yesterday, Rep. JoAnn Emerson formally endorsed the presidential bid of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Regardless of what impact this lone endorsement might have, I fully understand Emerson's reasoning. If nothing else, JoAnn Emerson is a pragmatic, seasoned political observer. And like millions of others, Emerson believes Giuliani is the only Republican hopeful who can derail the Hillary Express. That's not being partisan - that's just being practical.

Emerson will serve as chairwoman for Giuliani's Missouri campaign which, at the very least, will bring the former New York Mayor to Cape Girardeau at some point during the campaign. But more importantly, Emerson has once again shown her independent streak by breaking with several other GOP officials who have endorsed other candidates.

Emerson was candid in her endorsement. She pointed out differences on issues she has with Giuliani but pointed to his proven leadership as the source of her support. I strongly suspect most conservative Republicans would share that thought process.

Meanwhile, the Honorable Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton announced yesterday that she is, at long last, organizing a campaign push in Missouri. We're one of the last states the fine Senator has organized, which probably says volumes about her feeling for Missourians. But Ms. Hillary is limiting - for now - her organizing efforts to St. Louis and Kansas City. No Springfield. No St. Joseph. No Hannibal. No Cape Girardeau. Just the urban centers. What does that tell you?

Politics is often the lesser of two evils. That should come as no news to anyone. And Emerson - more than most - understands how the process and the system works. Like many of us, I believe Emerson understands the frightening prospects this country could face with another Clinton presidency. Unlike far too many of us, she is already hard at work trying to avoid that unsettling catastrophe.

There are 376 days remaining before the '08 presidential elections. It will pass before you know it. In the world of politics, it may seem a long time. But from a practical standpoint, it's just the blink of an eye.