To: Governor Mike Parson

Gov. Nixon, appoint Russ Carnahan to 8th District

Gov. Jay Nixon, you should appoint former U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan to fill the vacancy left by Joann Emerson's resignation as U.S. Rep. for the Missouri 8th District.

Why is this important?

Last year the Missouri legislature gerrymandered the congressional districts, dividing up the 3rd District, pitting two Democrats against each other in a shrunken 1st District in St. Louis and expanding the 8th District from the southern part of the St. Louis area all the way to the Bootheel border with Arkansas. Russ Carnahan had ably represented the 3rd District, but he was shoved out of a job by the redistricting.
Immediately after the November election Jo Ann Emerson, (R-Cape Girardeau) who was elected to an eighth term as congresswoman from the 8th District, announced she was resigning.
Gov. Nixon may appoint a successor to the seat until the election in June. He should appoint Russ Carnahan, who served 4 terms in Congress before his district was effectively carved up into oblivion. Carnahan would continue his excellent service to our state and maintain continuity for Missouri constituents. He'd be a great choice in June, too, but that's up to the voters.