Lamar - Former Missouri Representative Ed Emery has announced his candidacy for Missouri State Senate in the newly formed 31st District comprising Barton, Bates, Cass, Henry and Vernon counties.
"A statesman's responsibility is to limit government and to secure individual rights," Emery said. "The first line of defense against unconstitutional acts of the Federal Government is your state legislature. That is why I am running for state Senate, and if elected, I pledge to work tirelessly to protect the liberties of the citizens of Senate District 31 and of Missouri."
The people of the 126th District had elected Emery to serve four terms (2003-2010) in the Missouri House. While there he claims to have championed free market solutions, individual liberties, education reform and protecting the traditional family. During his tenure, he chaired the House Utilities Committee and the Interim Committee on Immigration Reform where he authored the committee report recommending reforms at both the state and national levels. He also served on several House interim and special committees including Children and Families, Job Creation and Tax Reform. He received a number of awards including the 2010 Legislator of the Year by the Missouri 7th District Republican Assembly and the 2006 Legislator of the Year by The American Legislative Exchange Council (a nationwide organization promoting Jeffersonian principles and free market solutions).
Former State Representative Susan Phillips of Clay County had this to say: "I was privileged to be Ed's seat-mate in the House, and I know him well. He is hard working; he is honest; and he has the highest degree of integrity. Both his friends and constituents trust him to do the right thing, and that is why it is easy to endorse him for the Missouri State Senate."
Emery has received endorsements from State Senator Chuck Purgason and former State Representatives Rex Rector, Susan Phillips, Bryan Stevenson and Larry Wilson. He previously has been endorsed by such conservative groups as Missouri Right to Life, Missouri Eagle Forum, and Concerned Women for America of Missouri.
A native of Vernon County, Emery worked with his father and grandfather in their feed and grain business. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla with a Bachelor of Science in engineering. He worked in the oil and gas industry until returning to Missouri in 1994. He currently serves as executive director of Missouri Fair Tax, a volunteer position.
Emery and his wife, Rebecca, reside in Lamar. They have four children, Elizabeth, Samuel, Daniel and Paul. They are expecting their first grandchild in June.
