The State Republican party abandons its nominee for U-S Congress in Southwest Missouri.
Kelly Just reports from Jefferson City.
Richard Kline is the Republican candidate for Missouri's 8th congressional district...But his party has decided to back someone else.
Bill Emerson held the 8th district seat for the Republicans until his death earlier this year.
Now, party spokesman Daryl Duwe (Dewey) says Emerson's wife Jo Ann gets their support...even though she's on the ballot as an independant.
Duwe says the only reason Emerson didn't get on the Republican ticket was because her husband died after the filing period.
Despite the endoresement for Emerson...Kline remains the legal Republican candidate.
From the State Capitol...Kelly Just...KMOX news.
The State Republican Party chooses to back an independent candidate instead of the man chosen by voters in Southwest Missouri.
Kelly Just reports from the State Capitol.
Richard Kline will still appear as the Republican nominee for the 8th congressional district in the November election...but his party won't be behind him.
State Republicans have endorsed the widow of former 8th district Congressman, Jo Ann Emerson.
Party spokesman, Daryl Duwe (Dewey) says he's confident Emerson will win.
Duwe suggests that if Bill Emerson hadn't died after the filing period for elections...Jo Ann would have been the legal Republican candidate...not Richard Kline.
Kline has not been available for comment.
From the State Capitol...Kelly Just...KMOX News.