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(AP) -- JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson is expected to resign next week.

Emerson's office says her resignation is likely to come Tuesday.

Emerson had announced in December that she would resign in February to take a job as president and CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. She later said that she was willing to move up her departure date if it would help speed up the process for selecting a replacement.

Under state law, political party committees are to meet within two weeks of being notified of a vacancy to select their nominees for a special election. That election date will be set by the governor.

A candidates' forum Thursday night in Cape Girardeau drew about a dozen Republicans hoping to replace Emerson.

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