CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS - The Money Race Is On In Mississippi House Primary Contests -The 1st District, formerly held by Republican Rep. Roger Wicker, who was appointed to succeed Trent Lott in the Senate. CQ Politics rates the seat Safe Republican. A special election in the northern 1st District is scheduled for April 22 to choose a temporary successor who will serve until January 2009.
In the 1st District, former Tupelo mayor Glenn L. McCullough Jr. raised the most among Republicans: $334,000 through Feb. 20. Democratic Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis W. Childers raised the most for his party, $182,000, $103,000 of which came from personal loans.
Republicans
• Glenn L. McCullough Jr., former Tupelo mayor, raised $334,000 and reported $191,000 on hand.
• Greg Davis, mayor of Southaven, raised $252,000 and reported $61,000 on hand.
• Randy Russell, ophthalmologist, raised $161,000* and reported $80,000 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidate accounted for $80,000 in receipts.
Democrats
• Travis W. Childers, Prentiss County Chancery Clerk, raised $182,000* and reported $119,000 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidate accounted for $103,000 in receipts.
Friday, February 29, 2008
New Landrum, Ross, Rounsaville TV
David Landrum's New Spot
Charlie Ross's New Spot
John Rounsaville's New Spot
Charlie Ross's New Spot
John Rounsaville's New Spot
Nash on Cash
Jere Nash - Third District Campaign Finances - 2.27.2008 - Campaign finance reports are due tomorrow at the FEC for all candidates running for federal office in Mississippi. In the meantime, candidates have been filing 48-hour reports with the FEC disclosing contributions they have received since sending in the report that is due tomorrow. In the Third District race, Charlie Ross has disclosed raising $107,146 in reportable contributions since Feb. 21 (the cutoff date for the upcoming report), while David Landrum has reported contributions of $39,400. Way behind is Gregg Harper with $5,000 in contributions; John Rounsville has reported nothing in the way of contributions. I have no idea if this fundraising activity will be replicated on the FEC reports we will see tomorrow (which covers the period January 1 through February 21). In addition, Landrum has disclosed loaning his campaign another $270,000 since January 1. If Ross and Landrum have the money, they are likely to be the candidates who end up in the runoff.
Jere Nash - Third District Campaign Finances - 2.28.2008 - The four major Republican candidates for Pickering's congressional seat filed their pre-primary campaign finance reports tonight. Here's what they show, in descending order. Ross raised $346,997, plus he's reported raising another $114,146 since the cutoff date for this report. Landrum raised $214,075 and personally loaned $210,000, plus he's reported raising another $39,400 since the cutoff date and loaning the campaign another $60,000. Harper raised $88,240, plus another $26,500 in contributions since the cutoff. Rounsaville raised $57,725, plus another $24,000 in contributions since the cutoff.
Landrum has spent $578,226 since January 1; Ross has spent $365,157; Harper has spent $137,762; Rounsaville has spent $75,653. We'll see on March 11 how loudly money talks in Mississippi's Third District.
Jere Nash - Third District Campaign Finances - 2.28.2008 - The four major Republican candidates for Pickering's congressional seat filed their pre-primary campaign finance reports tonight. Here's what they show, in descending order. Ross raised $346,997, plus he's reported raising another $114,146 since the cutoff date for this report. Landrum raised $214,075 and personally loaned $210,000, plus he's reported raising another $39,400 since the cutoff date and loaning the campaign another $60,000. Harper raised $88,240, plus another $26,500 in contributions since the cutoff. Rounsaville raised $57,725, plus another $24,000 in contributions since the cutoff.
Landrum has spent $578,226 since January 1; Ross has spent $365,157; Harper has spent $137,762; Rounsaville has spent $75,653. We'll see on March 11 how loudly money talks in Mississippi's Third District.
Debate Update
The Reflector - 3rd District contenders to debate at Lee Hall
WLBT - 3rd-District Candidates Attend Forum - With the March 11th primary just two weeks away, residents in Lawrence County gathered to hear from candidates in the race for Chip Pickering's seat in the U. S. House of Representatives. About 50 people showed up at the Lawrence County Civic Center for the public forum. Five candidates were present, and three sent representatives on their behalf. Questions came from both the audience and panelists. The candidates talked about what they would do to stave-off the recession that many people believe is looming. Democrat Randy Eads did not show up to the forum, which was sponsored by the Lawrence County Republican Party.
Commercial Dispatch - MSU District 3 congressional debate moves to Lee Hall - The Mississippi State University student-sponsored Congressional District 3 candidate debate will be held at Lee Hall instead of the Colvard Student Union. The 7 p.m. public service program sponsored by the student Stennis-Montgomery Association will be held in the 1,000-seat Lee Hall auditorium. Doors will open at 6. Randy Eads of Starkville and Joel Gill of Pickens are the Democratic candidates. The GOP list includes James Broadwater of Flowood; Gregg Harper of Pearl; Gregory Hatcher and Bill Marcy, both of Meridian; David Landrum and John Rounsaville, both of Madison; and Charlie Ross of Brandon. According to SMA organizers, eight of the nine candidates have committed to take part in the MSU debate; Ross will be unable to attend. For the convenience of audience members unfamiliar with central campus, buses will begin running at 6 p.m. between the shuttle stop near Humphrey Coliseum parking lot and Lee Hall.
Radio broadcast - For those unable to attend, the debate will be carried live in a 70-mile radius by campus radio station WMSV-FM, 91.1. It also will be streamed via the radio station's Web site, www.wmsv.msstate.edu, and the university Web site, www.msstate.edu.
Sid Salter, Clarion-Ledger “Perspective” editor, is moderating all of the sessions. Sharing the Lee Hall stage with him and providing questions for the candidates will be local media representatives Brian Hawkins, editor of the Starkville Daily News, and Aundrea Self, news anchor/reporter at WCBI-TV in Columbus.
WLBT - 3rd-District Candidates Attend Forum - With the March 11th primary just two weeks away, residents in Lawrence County gathered to hear from candidates in the race for Chip Pickering's seat in the U. S. House of Representatives. About 50 people showed up at the Lawrence County Civic Center for the public forum. Five candidates were present, and three sent representatives on their behalf. Questions came from both the audience and panelists. The candidates talked about what they would do to stave-off the recession that many people believe is looming. Democrat Randy Eads did not show up to the forum, which was sponsored by the Lawrence County Republican Party.
Commercial Dispatch - MSU District 3 congressional debate moves to Lee Hall - The Mississippi State University student-sponsored Congressional District 3 candidate debate will be held at Lee Hall instead of the Colvard Student Union. The 7 p.m. public service program sponsored by the student Stennis-Montgomery Association will be held in the 1,000-seat Lee Hall auditorium. Doors will open at 6. Randy Eads of Starkville and Joel Gill of Pickens are the Democratic candidates. The GOP list includes James Broadwater of Flowood; Gregg Harper of Pearl; Gregory Hatcher and Bill Marcy, both of Meridian; David Landrum and John Rounsaville, both of Madison; and Charlie Ross of Brandon. According to SMA organizers, eight of the nine candidates have committed to take part in the MSU debate; Ross will be unable to attend. For the convenience of audience members unfamiliar with central campus, buses will begin running at 6 p.m. between the shuttle stop near Humphrey Coliseum parking lot and Lee Hall.
Radio broadcast - For those unable to attend, the debate will be carried live in a 70-mile radius by campus radio station WMSV-FM, 91.1. It also will be streamed via the radio station's Web site, www.wmsv.msstate.edu, and the university Web site, www.msstate.edu.
Sid Salter, Clarion-Ledger “Perspective” editor, is moderating all of the sessions. Sharing the Lee Hall stage with him and providing questions for the candidates will be local media representatives Brian Hawkins, editor of the Starkville Daily News, and Aundrea Self, news anchor/reporter at WCBI-TV in Columbus.
GOP Debate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Cory Adair, Political Director
(601) 948-5191; cory@msgop.org
MISSISSIPPI REPUBLICAN PARTY ANNOUNCES FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEBATE
Jackson, Miss – The Mississippi Republican Party, along with the Monroe County Republican Party and the John C. Stennis Institute of Government, is sponsoring a debate for the Republican candidates in Mississippi’s First Congressional District.
The debate will be held on Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Elkin Theatre in Downtown Aberdeen, Mississippi. “We are excited to have the opportunity to co-sponsor a debate between these candidates,” said Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Jim Herring. “We are confident a Republican will carry this district again in November, so it’s important that the candidates have a discussion of issues that relate to conservatives in the First District.”
Admission is free, and doors at the Elkin Theatre will open at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night. For more information, contact the Mississippi Republican Party at (601) 948-5191 or Chris Brown with the Monroe County Republican Party at (662) 315-6966.
###
CONTACT: Cory Adair, Political Director
(601) 948-5191; cory@msgop.org
MISSISSIPPI REPUBLICAN PARTY ANNOUNCES FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEBATE
Jackson, Miss – The Mississippi Republican Party, along with the Monroe County Republican Party and the John C. Stennis Institute of Government, is sponsoring a debate for the Republican candidates in Mississippi’s First Congressional District.
The debate will be held on Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Elkin Theatre in Downtown Aberdeen, Mississippi. “We are excited to have the opportunity to co-sponsor a debate between these candidates,” said Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Jim Herring. “We are confident a Republican will carry this district again in November, so it’s important that the candidates have a discussion of issues that relate to conservatives in the First District.”
Admission is free, and doors at the Elkin Theatre will open at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night. For more information, contact the Mississippi Republican Party at (601) 948-5191 or Chris Brown with the Monroe County Republican Party at (662) 315-6966.
###
Insurance and Financial Advisors Endorse Ross
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors - Mississippi (NAIFA-MS) formally endorsed Charlie Ross for his Third Congressional District campaign. HatTip: MBJblog.
Andy Ross, son of Charlie Ross, has joined the staff of the Clarksdale Press Register as a staff writer.
Andy Ross, son of Charlie Ross, has joined the staff of the Clarksdale Press Register as a staff writer.
Hot Air and Heritage
Glenn McCullough's new spot.
HatTip to and commentary at RightOfMississippi.
Steve Holland's new spot.
HatTip to CottonMouth.
HatTip to and commentary at RightOfMississippi.
Steve Holland's new spot.
HatTip to CottonMouth.
Money Talks
Southern Political Report - Mississippi: Money Talks - In the contest in the 3rd District (Natchez, etc.) to succeed US Rep. Chip Pickering (R), former US Sen. Trent Lott (R) attended a fundraiser for Gregg Harper, chairman of the Rankin County GOP, while Pickering showed up at a fundraiser for his former aide, John Rounsaville, reports Washington’s Roll Call newspaper. And speaking of fundraising, wealthy businessman (financial services) David Landrum has put some $470,000 of his own money into the race, but is catching flak for not voting in a number of recent elections. Meanwhile, state Sen. Charlie Ross is getting help from the Club for Growth.
CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS - The Money Race Is On In Mississippi House Primary Contests
• David Landrum, financial services businessman, raised $943,000* and reported $90,000 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidate accounted for $410,000 in receipts.
• Charlie Ross, former state Senator, raised $469,000* and reported $88,000 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidates accounted for $7,000 in receipts.
• Gregg Harper, former Rankin County GOP chairman, raised $208,000 and reported $47,000 on hand.
• John Rounsaville, former state rural development director for the USDA and former Pickering deputy House chief of staff, raised $204,000 and reported $111,000 on hand.
• Greg Hatcher, museum secretary/treasurer and consultant, raised $4,000* and reported $800 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidate accounted for $3,500 in receipts.
CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS - The Money Race Is On In Mississippi House Primary Contests
• David Landrum, financial services businessman, raised $943,000* and reported $90,000 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidate accounted for $410,000 in receipts.
• Charlie Ross, former state Senator, raised $469,000* and reported $88,000 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidates accounted for $7,000 in receipts.
• Gregg Harper, former Rankin County GOP chairman, raised $208,000 and reported $47,000 on hand.
• John Rounsaville, former state rural development director for the USDA and former Pickering deputy House chief of staff, raised $204,000 and reported $111,000 on hand.
• Greg Hatcher, museum secretary/treasurer and consultant, raised $4,000* and reported $800 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidate accounted for $3,500 in receipts.
Letter for Landrum
The Clarion Ledger - David Landrum best choice for 3rd District in Congress - February 28, 2008 - Letter To The Editor
Chip Pickering has been an outstanding congressman and has represented the 3rd Congressional District with distinction. Having looked at the nine candidates who would like to succeed him, I'm convinced that David Landrum is the best choice. He most closely reflects the qualities that I admire in Pickering: faith, conservative beliefs and family values.
Landrum is also like another outstanding Mississippi congressman, G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, who worked for veterans' benefits for our service men and women. Having served in the military, David understands their needs and will work to see that they receive the benefits they so justly deserve.
One rare quality that sets David apart from the crowd is that he listens. Not only does he listen, but he hears with discernment. He will take the message of grass-roots Mississippians to Washington and will never forget who he represents.
David once said that he believes that all of us are here to make a difference with our lives. And knowing him to be a man of integrity, purpose and a servant's heart, I'm confident that if given the chance, he will make a difference.
If you're as tired as I am of career politicians who can't decide which job they really want and run for any and every office that comes along, or who have close ties to special interest groups, you'll find David Landrum to be a breath of fresh air in the political arena.
Dot Ward, Madison
Chip Pickering has been an outstanding congressman and has represented the 3rd Congressional District with distinction. Having looked at the nine candidates who would like to succeed him, I'm convinced that David Landrum is the best choice. He most closely reflects the qualities that I admire in Pickering: faith, conservative beliefs and family values.
Landrum is also like another outstanding Mississippi congressman, G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, who worked for veterans' benefits for our service men and women. Having served in the military, David understands their needs and will work to see that they receive the benefits they so justly deserve.
One rare quality that sets David apart from the crowd is that he listens. Not only does he listen, but he hears with discernment. He will take the message of grass-roots Mississippians to Washington and will never forget who he represents.
David once said that he believes that all of us are here to make a difference with our lives. And knowing him to be a man of integrity, purpose and a servant's heart, I'm confident that if given the chance, he will make a difference.
If you're as tired as I am of career politicians who can't decide which job they really want and run for any and every office that comes along, or who have close ties to special interest groups, you'll find David Landrum to be a breath of fresh air in the political arena.
Dot Ward, Madison
Thursday, February 28, 2008
6 legs for Davis
Daily Journal - Six legislators support Davis for U.S. House - Greg Davis, a Republican candidate for the 1st District House seat, was endorsed Wednesday by six members of the Mississippi Legislature. They are: Sens. Merle Flowers and Doug Davis and Reps. Wanda Jennings, Forrest Hamilton, Tommy Woods and Ted Mayhall.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Landrum self contributes another $60,000
Yesterday, David Landrum gave $60,000 more of his own money to his campaign. After anticipating that he would make no self-contributions when he got into the race, he has now given his campaign $470,000, almost half-a-million dollars. One Landrum supporter suggested to me that he thinks he could win the campaign without a run-off.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Landrum's Intent: $0 to $200,000 in 2 weeks
David Landrum has put $410,000 of his own money into his race for Congress. The necessity to self-fund his campaign apparently came as a surprise to him.
On October 30, 2007, when he declared his candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission, under "Declaration of Intent to Expend Personal Funds" the form says "I intend to expend personal funds exceeding the threashold amount by 0.00 for the primary election and 0.00 for the general election." The form says, "If you do not intend to expend personal funds exceeding the threshold amount for either election, you must enter 0.00 for each." He signed it at the bottom above the note "Submission of false, erroneous, or incomplete information may subject the person signing this Statement to penalties...."
Two weeks later, on November 15, 2007, he loaned his campaign $200,000.
(Readers, please continue to share your tips to annellissimmons at gmail dot com)
On October 30, 2007, when he declared his candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission, under "Declaration of Intent to Expend Personal Funds" the form says "I intend to expend personal funds exceeding the threashold amount by 0.00 for the primary election and 0.00 for the general election." The form says, "If you do not intend to expend personal funds exceeding the threshold amount for either election, you must enter 0.00 for each." He signed it at the bottom above the note "Submission of false, erroneous, or incomplete information may subject the person signing this Statement to penalties...."
Two weeks later, on November 15, 2007, he loaned his campaign $200,000.
(Readers, please continue to share your tips to annellissimmons at gmail dot com)
Broadwater Emails
2.25.08 - Third Congressional District Republican Candidates’ Answers When Asked the Question, “Why Should People Vote for You Over the Other Candidates?”
This is a synopsis of the Republican candidates’ answers when asked the question in public debates and forums or as stated in television advertisements and/or other media, “Why should people vote for you over the others candidates?”
James Broadwater: Because you won’t have to beg me to do what’s right / We need to restore Christian values to our nation
Gregg Harper: Because you know in your heart of hearts I'm the right one
Gregory Hatcher: I’ll listen to you/I won’t forget where I came from
David Landrum: I know how to start a business/I’ve spent 29 years signing the front of a paycheck, not just the back of a paycheck/I know how to create jobs/I’ll lower your taxes
Bill Marcy: I was born in Chicago of Southern parents/I’m a conservative’s conservative
Charlie Ross: I was a state senator/I have experience/I can hit the ground running/
John Rounsaville: I was an aide for Chip Pickering/I have experience/I can hit the ground running
2.21.08 - BROADWATER DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF AT DEBATES
James Broadwater has proven that the Republican candidates for Chip Pickering's seat in Congress are not all the same.
Broadwater has distinguished himself in three debates from the others in statements that he is so pro-life that he favors a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution, that he believes in marriage so much that he has authored a Community Marriage Agreement and endorses a Federal Marriage Amendment, and that on taxation, he seeks to do away with the income tax, abolish the IRS, get rid of the marriage penalty, and kill the death tax - and he has signed Americans for Tax Reform's Pledge to not raise taxes - all things that the other candidates have not done so far. He is also the only candidate who has stated that he is willing to use all the means at our disposal to stop illegal immigration, including using the military, SWAT teams, canine units, helicopters, aerial surveillance, the Civil Air Patrol, the national guard and the reserves, state law enforcement agencies, and even deputized citizens.
Broadwater has also distinguished himself as a leader among the candidates in that some of the other candidates have begun "borrowing" some of his statements and using them as their own - notably, former State Senator Charlie Ross and candidate Bill Marcy in a debate last night in Meridian, where both men used the statement that illegal immigration is just that - illegal - a statement James Broadwater made Monday night in a debate in Pearl which was quoted in the Tuesday edition of the Clarion-Ledger. For faith, for family, for freedom, vote for James Broadwater in the March 11th Republican Primary.
2.21.08 - The Broadwater Plan to Stop Illegal Immigration
James Broadwater has announced today his plan to stop illegal immigration. He publicly states that he will lead the way in the U.S. House to utilize all the means we have at our disposal, including using the full-time active duty military, the national guard and reserves, the FBI, the CIA, ATF, state law enforcement agencies, SWAT teams, helicopters, aerial surveillance, canine units, and deputized private citizens to seal our borders.
In May of 2006, Jennive Ramsey of Morton, Mississippi, in Scott County, wrote in an article that was published on the internet:
First Person Account Of What Illegal Immigration
Has Done To Morton (Scott County) Mississippi
I am a native of Scott County - Morton, MS to be exact (Little Mexico) as it is referred to.
Growing up in Morton, we (school kids) knew that not all of us were going to go to college, but we also knew, though it was hard work, that we could make an honest living and gain a living wage by working at the chicken plant "B.C. Rogers".
It seemed like over night our town was being over-run with Latinos, Cubans, Dominicans etc.... Over time they took all the jobs at the chicken plant and there were no rental houses available. Then the starting wage at the chicken plant went from about 8.00 per hour to minimum wage. (late 80's early 90's).
Later, my family took a trip to San Antonio to attend a wedding. While we were there we went to Mexico (entering in Laredo). In Laredo we bought a newspaper and in the newspaper was an ad for B.C. Rogers, Morton, MS open to anyone - it stated that a bus would be at a certain place at a certain time ..... to pick up anyone who wanted a "job" with free housing.
What B.C. Rogers was doing basically was bussing in the illegals, giving them a job, and putting them in shot-gun style house's, the houses were/are "full" past capacity...... B.C. Rogers would then take the "rent" from their "paychecks" along with other incidentals they would deduct...food, lights, water etc... These people were put in basically huts and made to work like slaves. (I do not feel sorry for them).
Now we have "Little Mexico"... formally known as Morton, MS. I have been in stores and watched the owners chase them down for stealing... and then hear the sad story of the store owner ... because he has been robbed to the point he can't make it anymore. Outside his store you can see an Amigo with his own version of a store (a piece of plywood on top of a milk crate) set up outside on the street selling vegetables and tall glass candles. Every store has the word "HOT" in 3-4 different language to accommodate the different ethnic groups represented in the community and because they claimed not to speak the language... (a lie in most cases).
So in a "nut" shell we can blame B.C. Rogers now Koch Foods for the invasion of Mississippi....
Respectfully,
Jennive Ramsey
Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant told us when he was State Auditor that we have almost 50,000 illegal immigrants in the State of Mississippi alone (one source said that was a conservative estimate), and that they were costing us tens of millions of dollars in government expense and that they were placing a strain on our health care, prison, and education systems. He's right.
Not only that, but as I said in a debate in Pearl on Monday night, illegal immigration is just that - ILLEGAL. They have broken our laws to get here; why would we think they are going to obey our laws now that they are here?
And I am also in favor of punishing the business owners who knowingly hire them, like the one in the example given by Mrs. Ramsey. How dare they jeopardize our national security for the sake of greed? "Thou shalt not covet" definitely applies here.
We have to stop illegal immigration now. We already deport - some of them over and over again - some of the illegals who are already here, and many of them just come back again. We must deport them, and not allow them to return. And we must not allow children born in America to people who are here illegally to be classified as American citizens. That constitutional amendment was intended only to apply to the children of people who were slaves to be classified as American citizens from the time they were born. We must not allow that provision to be abused to aid and abet the invasion of our country that is taking place now.
This is a synopsis of the Republican candidates’ answers when asked the question in public debates and forums or as stated in television advertisements and/or other media, “Why should people vote for you over the others candidates?”
James Broadwater: Because you won’t have to beg me to do what’s right / We need to restore Christian values to our nation
Gregg Harper: Because you know in your heart of hearts I'm the right one
Gregory Hatcher: I’ll listen to you/I won’t forget where I came from
David Landrum: I know how to start a business/I’ve spent 29 years signing the front of a paycheck, not just the back of a paycheck/I know how to create jobs/I’ll lower your taxes
Bill Marcy: I was born in Chicago of Southern parents/I’m a conservative’s conservative
Charlie Ross: I was a state senator/I have experience/I can hit the ground running/
John Rounsaville: I was an aide for Chip Pickering/I have experience/I can hit the ground running
2.21.08 - BROADWATER DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF AT DEBATES
James Broadwater has proven that the Republican candidates for Chip Pickering's seat in Congress are not all the same.
Broadwater has distinguished himself in three debates from the others in statements that he is so pro-life that he favors a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution, that he believes in marriage so much that he has authored a Community Marriage Agreement and endorses a Federal Marriage Amendment, and that on taxation, he seeks to do away with the income tax, abolish the IRS, get rid of the marriage penalty, and kill the death tax - and he has signed Americans for Tax Reform's Pledge to not raise taxes - all things that the other candidates have not done so far. He is also the only candidate who has stated that he is willing to use all the means at our disposal to stop illegal immigration, including using the military, SWAT teams, canine units, helicopters, aerial surveillance, the Civil Air Patrol, the national guard and the reserves, state law enforcement agencies, and even deputized citizens.
Broadwater has also distinguished himself as a leader among the candidates in that some of the other candidates have begun "borrowing" some of his statements and using them as their own - notably, former State Senator Charlie Ross and candidate Bill Marcy in a debate last night in Meridian, where both men used the statement that illegal immigration is just that - illegal - a statement James Broadwater made Monday night in a debate in Pearl which was quoted in the Tuesday edition of the Clarion-Ledger. For faith, for family, for freedom, vote for James Broadwater in the March 11th Republican Primary.
2.21.08 - The Broadwater Plan to Stop Illegal Immigration
James Broadwater has announced today his plan to stop illegal immigration. He publicly states that he will lead the way in the U.S. House to utilize all the means we have at our disposal, including using the full-time active duty military, the national guard and reserves, the FBI, the CIA, ATF, state law enforcement agencies, SWAT teams, helicopters, aerial surveillance, canine units, and deputized private citizens to seal our borders.
In May of 2006, Jennive Ramsey of Morton, Mississippi, in Scott County, wrote in an article that was published on the internet:
First Person Account Of What Illegal Immigration
Has Done To Morton (Scott County) Mississippi
I am a native of Scott County - Morton, MS to be exact (Little Mexico) as it is referred to.
Growing up in Morton, we (school kids) knew that not all of us were going to go to college, but we also knew, though it was hard work, that we could make an honest living and gain a living wage by working at the chicken plant "B.C. Rogers".
It seemed like over night our town was being over-run with Latinos, Cubans, Dominicans etc.... Over time they took all the jobs at the chicken plant and there were no rental houses available. Then the starting wage at the chicken plant went from about 8.00 per hour to minimum wage. (late 80's early 90's).
Later, my family took a trip to San Antonio to attend a wedding. While we were there we went to Mexico (entering in Laredo). In Laredo we bought a newspaper and in the newspaper was an ad for B.C. Rogers, Morton, MS open to anyone - it stated that a bus would be at a certain place at a certain time ..... to pick up anyone who wanted a "job" with free housing.
What B.C. Rogers was doing basically was bussing in the illegals, giving them a job, and putting them in shot-gun style house's, the houses were/are "full" past capacity...... B.C. Rogers would then take the "rent" from their "paychecks" along with other incidentals they would deduct...food, lights, water etc... These people were put in basically huts and made to work like slaves. (I do not feel sorry for them).
Now we have "Little Mexico"... formally known as Morton, MS. I have been in stores and watched the owners chase them down for stealing... and then hear the sad story of the store owner ... because he has been robbed to the point he can't make it anymore. Outside his store you can see an Amigo with his own version of a store (a piece of plywood on top of a milk crate) set up outside on the street selling vegetables and tall glass candles. Every store has the word "HOT" in 3-4 different language to accommodate the different ethnic groups represented in the community and because they claimed not to speak the language... (a lie in most cases).
So in a "nut" shell we can blame B.C. Rogers now Koch Foods for the invasion of Mississippi....
Respectfully,
Jennive Ramsey
Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant told us when he was State Auditor that we have almost 50,000 illegal immigrants in the State of Mississippi alone (one source said that was a conservative estimate), and that they were costing us tens of millions of dollars in government expense and that they were placing a strain on our health care, prison, and education systems. He's right.
Not only that, but as I said in a debate in Pearl on Monday night, illegal immigration is just that - ILLEGAL. They have broken our laws to get here; why would we think they are going to obey our laws now that they are here?
And I am also in favor of punishing the business owners who knowingly hire them, like the one in the example given by Mrs. Ramsey. How dare they jeopardize our national security for the sake of greed? "Thou shalt not covet" definitely applies here.
We have to stop illegal immigration now. We already deport - some of them over and over again - some of the illegals who are already here, and many of them just come back again. We must deport them, and not allow them to return. And we must not allow children born in America to people who are here illegally to be classified as American citizens. That constitutional amendment was intended only to apply to the children of people who were slaves to be classified as American citizens from the time they were born. We must not allow that provision to be abused to aid and abet the invasion of our country that is taking place now.
Salter: Is David Landrum Telling the Truth
Sid Salter Blog - David Landrum: Is he telling the truth? - David Landrum's voting record is one that has yet to be verified by the candidate and his recent press release offering "proof" that allegations that he had not voted for 7 years were false lacks substance.
The pertinent question here is not whether Landrum gave money to Musgrove. He did, but he gave far more to Republicans.
The pertinent question here is not whether Landrum voted or not. If he didn't, that's a commentary on his fitness to serve in Congress and his general work ethic as a citizen.
The question is whether of not Landrum is telling the truth about his voting record. That matters. At least, it should matter.
I met with Landrum, listened to his explanation and tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. But his story is not holding water.
Landrum has yet to produce evidence that he was registered to vote in Hinds County at the time he claims to have voted affidavit ballots there in 2003 Republican primaries and the 2003 general election.
Landrum's claim to have been falsely accused by fellow candidate John Rounsaville regarding Landrum's voting record between 2000 and 2007 appears to be one that's increasingly problematic.
The "proof" Landrum has submitted are claims that he and his wife Jill voted by affidavit ballot in 2003 in Hinds County's Precinct 78 in the Republican primary. He hasn't spoken to whether he voted in the 2003 Republican runoff election, but has said he and his wife voted by traditional ballot in the 2003 General Election in Hind's County's precinct 78.
By way of "proof" Landrum supplied copies of an affidavit ballot register and claims the signatures on that copied page belong to him and his wife. But Landrum has not produced any copies of the actual affidavit ballot or the affidavit ballot envelope.
In addition, Landrum claimed to have voted affidavit ballot in Hinds County. To do so, he would have to have been registered to vote in Hinds County. Landrum has yet to produce any evidence of having been registered to vote in Hinds County.
The pertinent question here is not whether Landrum gave money to Musgrove. He did, but he gave far more to Republicans.
The pertinent question here is not whether Landrum voted or not. If he didn't, that's a commentary on his fitness to serve in Congress and his general work ethic as a citizen.
The question is whether of not Landrum is telling the truth about his voting record. That matters. At least, it should matter.
I met with Landrum, listened to his explanation and tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. But his story is not holding water.
Landrum has yet to produce evidence that he was registered to vote in Hinds County at the time he claims to have voted affidavit ballots there in 2003 Republican primaries and the 2003 general election.
Landrum's claim to have been falsely accused by fellow candidate John Rounsaville regarding Landrum's voting record between 2000 and 2007 appears to be one that's increasingly problematic.
The "proof" Landrum has submitted are claims that he and his wife Jill voted by affidavit ballot in 2003 in Hinds County's Precinct 78 in the Republican primary. He hasn't spoken to whether he voted in the 2003 Republican runoff election, but has said he and his wife voted by traditional ballot in the 2003 General Election in Hind's County's precinct 78.
By way of "proof" Landrum supplied copies of an affidavit ballot register and claims the signatures on that copied page belong to him and his wife. But Landrum has not produced any copies of the actual affidavit ballot or the affidavit ballot envelope.
In addition, Landrum claimed to have voted affidavit ballot in Hinds County. To do so, he would have to have been registered to vote in Hinds County. Landrum has yet to produce any evidence of having been registered to vote in Hinds County.
Pickering Headlines Rounsaville Fundraiser
February 26, 2008 Contact: Danny O'Driscoll
For Immediate Release 601.906.2214
Rep. Pickering Headlines Rounsaville Fundraiser
Pickering: "Voters should feel confident in John Rounsaville's experience, values, and integrity"
Madison, MS – Yesterday evening in Washington, DC, Congressman Chip Pickering headlined a fundraiser for his former Deputy Chief of Staff and now candidate for Congress, John Rounsaville. Joining them were many former aides to Republicans in the Mississippi Congressional Delegation, including those of Senator Trent Lott, Senator Roger Wicker, and Congressman Pickering.
Rounsaville said, "It was an honor to have Congressman Pickering as our special guest at this fundraiser. The five years I spent as a senior aide to Chip taught me a great deal about the issues that affect people in Mississippi and how to deliver results on Capitol Hill, but most importantly, he showed me the true meaning of public service."
Chip Pickering said, "John Rounsaville served effectively as my deputy chief-of-staff where he used his knowledge of the issues and conservative instincts to help create positive policy and opportunities in Mississippi. I won't be endorsing anyone in this campaign, but voters should feel confident in John Rounsaville's experience, values, and integrity."
John Rounsaville has a decade long track record of public service to the people of Mississippi, serving as a senior aide to Congressman Pickering, top advisor to Governor Haley Barbour, and as President Bush's appointee to lead USDA Rural Development in Mississippi. This track record includes producing common sense conservative solutions to policy issues, and working to increase economic development and job opportunities in Mississippi.
-30-
For Immediate Release 601.906.2214
Rep. Pickering Headlines Rounsaville Fundraiser
Pickering: "Voters should feel confident in John Rounsaville's experience, values, and integrity"
Madison, MS – Yesterday evening in Washington, DC, Congressman Chip Pickering headlined a fundraiser for his former Deputy Chief of Staff and now candidate for Congress, John Rounsaville. Joining them were many former aides to Republicans in the Mississippi Congressional Delegation, including those of Senator Trent Lott, Senator Roger Wicker, and Congressman Pickering.
Rounsaville said, "It was an honor to have Congressman Pickering as our special guest at this fundraiser. The five years I spent as a senior aide to Chip taught me a great deal about the issues that affect people in Mississippi and how to deliver results on Capitol Hill, but most importantly, he showed me the true meaning of public service."
Chip Pickering said, "John Rounsaville served effectively as my deputy chief-of-staff where he used his knowledge of the issues and conservative instincts to help create positive policy and opportunities in Mississippi. I won't be endorsing anyone in this campaign, but voters should feel confident in John Rounsaville's experience, values, and integrity."
John Rounsaville has a decade long track record of public service to the people of Mississippi, serving as a senior aide to Congressman Pickering, top advisor to Governor Haley Barbour, and as President Bush's appointee to lead USDA Rural Development in Mississippi. This track record includes producing common sense conservative solutions to policy issues, and working to increase economic development and job opportunities in Mississippi.
-30-
Landrum Campaigns With Jerious Norwood
Dear Friends,
With only two weeks before Election Day, I wanted to let you know about some big events that we are having across the district this week.
This Thursday night, we have two events in the Jackson Area that you can attend!
We are excited to have Jerious Norwood of the Atlanta Falcons joining us for a reception in Brandon and in Old Waverly. As you know, Jerious was a high school All-American at Brandon High School, was selected as Mississippi's Mr. Football, and is Mississippi State's all-time leading rusher where he won the Conerly Trophy.
Here are the details for the two events.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH
Please join Melanie and Johnny Johnson for a Reception honoring
David Landrum, Republican Candidate for Congress
with Special Guest, Jerious Norwood of the Atlanta Falcons
5:30 until 7:30 P.M.
138 Johnson's Ridge in Brandon
R.S.V.P. (601) 898-9054
$100 Per Couple
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH
Please join Young Professionals of Jackson for a Reception honoring
David Landrum, Republican Candidate for Congress
7:00 until 9:30 P.M.
The Plaza Building
120 North Congress Street in Jackson
R.S.V.P. (601) 898-9054
$20 Per Ticket
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also wanted to make sure that you were invited to a Free Fish Fry we are having in Natchez, and a give you the details about our event at Old Waverly.
We hope you can join us for one of these events this week, but if you can't, we are going to have more events next week throughout the district.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH
Please join Mr. and Mrs. George Bryan for a Reception honoring
David Landrum, Republican Candidate for Congress
with Special Guest, Jerious Norwood of the Atlanta Falcons
5:00 until 7:00 P.M.
Old Waverly Golf Club
One Magnolia Drive in West Point
R.S.V.P (601) 898-9054
$100 Per Couple
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY, MARCH 1ST
Please join friends and supporters for a FREE Catfish Fry and Rally
Bowie's Tavern
100 Main Street in Natchez
11:30 A.M. until 1:30 P.M.
R.S.V.P. (601) 898-9054
Come join David and Jill and help kick-off the last week of the Election.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your support! We could not have come this far without you.
Neil Forbes
With only two weeks before Election Day, I wanted to let you know about some big events that we are having across the district this week.
This Thursday night, we have two events in the Jackson Area that you can attend!
We are excited to have Jerious Norwood of the Atlanta Falcons joining us for a reception in Brandon and in Old Waverly. As you know, Jerious was a high school All-American at Brandon High School, was selected as Mississippi's Mr. Football, and is Mississippi State's all-time leading rusher where he won the Conerly Trophy.
Here are the details for the two events.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH
Please join Melanie and Johnny Johnson for a Reception honoring
David Landrum, Republican Candidate for Congress
with Special Guest, Jerious Norwood of the Atlanta Falcons
5:30 until 7:30 P.M.
138 Johnson's Ridge in Brandon
R.S.V.P. (601) 898-9054
$100 Per Couple
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH
Please join Young Professionals of Jackson for a Reception honoring
David Landrum, Republican Candidate for Congress
7:00 until 9:30 P.M.
The Plaza Building
120 North Congress Street in Jackson
R.S.V.P. (601) 898-9054
$20 Per Ticket
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also wanted to make sure that you were invited to a Free Fish Fry we are having in Natchez, and a give you the details about our event at Old Waverly.
We hope you can join us for one of these events this week, but if you can't, we are going to have more events next week throughout the district.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH
Please join Mr. and Mrs. George Bryan for a Reception honoring
David Landrum, Republican Candidate for Congress
with Special Guest, Jerious Norwood of the Atlanta Falcons
5:00 until 7:00 P.M.
Old Waverly Golf Club
One Magnolia Drive in West Point
R.S.V.P (601) 898-9054
$100 Per Couple
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY, MARCH 1ST
Please join friends and supporters for a FREE Catfish Fry and Rally
Bowie's Tavern
100 Main Street in Natchez
11:30 A.M. until 1:30 P.M.
R.S.V.P. (601) 898-9054
Come join David and Jill and help kick-off the last week of the Election.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your support! We could not have come this far without you.
Neil Forbes
Project Vote Smart
WJTV - Project Vote Smart - Project Vote Smart is putting pressure on candidates across the country and here in Mississippi to take its "Political Courage Test." As of close of business Monday, January 25th, only 7 of our 26 candidates running for congress and the senate in Mississippi had taken the test. They are Democrats Shawn O’Hara, Marshall Coleman, Joel Gill and Republicans James Broadwater, Gregory Hatcher, Charlie Ross and John McKay, III. Holding politicians accountable is project vote smart's goal. Through a free data base you can track your candidate's positions on key issues. If they've taken the courage test you'll find their answers here. if they haven't you'll know that too. For a direct link to the group’s data base go to www.projectvotesmart.org
Harper in Brookhaven, Landrum in Meridian
The Daily Leader - Congressional hopeful makes stop in city - Gregg Harper, a Pearl Republican running for Mississippi's Third Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, visited Brookhaven Friday to spread his pro-military and anti-illegal immigration message. What sets Harper apart from his peers, he said, is political experience and a devotion to family, which stems from his son Livingston, an 18-year-old who is affected by a genetic abnormality called Fragile X Syndrome. "That has profoundly affected our lives," Harper said. "If I'm fortunate enough to be elected, I will be a strong advocate for families raising children with special needs." Harper said the only way to give those families hope is to give something back, something he strives to accomplish at his small law office in Pearl. "I've hired special needs students from Pearl High School to work after school," he said. "I do believe that, as a government, we should help those folks that really need to be helped and not those that don't."
Harper also discussed the big issues affecting not just him and his fellow candidates, but the entire nation. He said the first "red meat issue" to be dealt with is immigration. "The death of Western civilization - it's scary what hangs in the balance," Harper said. "Do we have the stomach to be in the fight?" After the securing of the two borders, Harper said that before new immigration laws were passed, the existing ones must be enforced. "I'm opposed to amnesty, in any form," he said. "And I'm tired of paying our tax dollars for benefits for illegals."
Harper said his second issue was the support of the military and its mission, which is kind of a family rite for him. His late father served as the tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress in World War II, and his brother retired from the Air Force after 30 years in the cockpit of a B-52 Stratofortress. On monetary matters, Harper is in favor of preserving the current system of Social Security for senior citizens who have paid in, but wants to adjust it for the younger generation. "What's wrong with letting young workers in their 20s, 30s and 40s have a portion of their Social Security taxes go into a personal retirement account that they actually have?" he asked.
The Meridian Star - Annual Mayor & Supervisors Leadership Prayer Breakfast is Feb. 29 - Mission Mississippi Board Chairman and 3rd Congressional District candidate David Landrum will share his story of faith and dedication to the community at Friday’s Annual Mayor and Supervisors Leadership Prayer Breakfast. An affiliate of Mission Mississippi, Mission Meridian has co-sponsored the annual breakfast with Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith and the Meridian City Council for several years. This year, the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors is also a co-sponsor. David Landrum serves as chairman of the Board of Mission Mississippi and he is a board member for Here’s Life. He was recently named vice president of the Magnolia Speech Schools. He is a former Board of Trustees member at Mississippi College, where he was also chairman of the Business Advisory Committee. Landrum also serves on the boards for Habitat for Humanity, Transformation Jackson, and the Madison County Foundation. He is a member of the University Of Southern Mississippi School Of Business Advisory Committee. The Landrums are active members of Pine Lake Baptist Church. Married for 29 years, they have two children, Tommy and Lauren.
Harper also discussed the big issues affecting not just him and his fellow candidates, but the entire nation. He said the first "red meat issue" to be dealt with is immigration. "The death of Western civilization - it's scary what hangs in the balance," Harper said. "Do we have the stomach to be in the fight?" After the securing of the two borders, Harper said that before new immigration laws were passed, the existing ones must be enforced. "I'm opposed to amnesty, in any form," he said. "And I'm tired of paying our tax dollars for benefits for illegals."
Harper said his second issue was the support of the military and its mission, which is kind of a family rite for him. His late father served as the tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress in World War II, and his brother retired from the Air Force after 30 years in the cockpit of a B-52 Stratofortress. On monetary matters, Harper is in favor of preserving the current system of Social Security for senior citizens who have paid in, but wants to adjust it for the younger generation. "What's wrong with letting young workers in their 20s, 30s and 40s have a portion of their Social Security taxes go into a personal retirement account that they actually have?" he asked.
The Meridian Star - Annual Mayor & Supervisors Leadership Prayer Breakfast is Feb. 29 - Mission Mississippi Board Chairman and 3rd Congressional District candidate David Landrum will share his story of faith and dedication to the community at Friday’s Annual Mayor and Supervisors Leadership Prayer Breakfast. An affiliate of Mission Mississippi, Mission Meridian has co-sponsored the annual breakfast with Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith and the Meridian City Council for several years. This year, the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors is also a co-sponsor. David Landrum serves as chairman of the Board of Mission Mississippi and he is a board member for Here’s Life. He was recently named vice president of the Magnolia Speech Schools. He is a former Board of Trustees member at Mississippi College, where he was also chairman of the Business Advisory Committee. Landrum also serves on the boards for Habitat for Humanity, Transformation Jackson, and the Madison County Foundation. He is a member of the University Of Southern Mississippi School Of Business Advisory Committee. The Landrums are active members of Pine Lake Baptist Church. Married for 29 years, they have two children, Tommy and Lauren.
Republicans Debate in Aberdeen
Daily Journal - GOP hopefuls for House to debate in Aberdeen - The first political debate in the race to fill former U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker’s seat has been set for March 4 in Aberdeen, a Republican-only event that will feature two of the three GOP candidates. Planning to appear are Republicans Randy Russell of Oxford and Glenn McCullough of Tupelo. The third Republican, Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, cannot attend. The debate, organized by the Monroe County Republican Committee with assistance from the Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University, will start at 7 p.m. in the Elks Building downtown. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the debate is scheduled to last about one hour. Brad Davis, a McCullough staffer, said the University of Mississippi in Oxford and a DeSoto County group could hold debates before the first election.
Forum in Nesbit
Desoto Times - 1st District forum set for March 5 - The Northwest Mississippi Association of Realtors will sponsor a political forum on March 5 featuring the candidates vying for U.S. Representative in the First Congressional District. The forum will get underway at 10 a.m. Republican candidates include Greg Davis, Glenn L. McCullough, Jr., and Dr. Randy Russell. Democratic candidates are Travis W. Childers, Marshall W. Coleman, Steve Holland, and Brian Neely. The forum will be conducted in the large meeting room of the Realtors Association, located at 2795 U.S. 51, Nesbit.
Holland Campaign Email
This week has been exciting! Many are volunteering, saying that Steve is needed in Washington to represent regular working folks like he takes care of their needs in Jackson. This certainly is encouraging for the family and workers in the headquarters.
While Steve was furiously fighting for more Medicaid funds and championing the cigarette tax to help finance health care needs, I was on the phone calling our friends for direct help. The response is great. Many of you have responded in such a generous manner. The Holland Family will never forget.
Deadlines in the Mississippi House of Representatives where Steve is Chairman of Public Health, is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and one of the Leadership Team that sets the whole legislative agenda, all, his responsibilities, have kept him from being out in the district as much as he wants. These travels are confined to the weekends. Professionals say Steve's campaign radio and TV spots are the best in the field this year. We have others to air soon. I hope you're hearing and seeing them. We welcome your feed back.
One way you can help with our campaign is to forward this email to your list of friends and associates on your email contacts list.
Thursday night I represented Steve in DeSoto County where we got a gracious reception and found many who were already carrying our message. They tell us that Steve is the candidate who can win the Special Election on April 22 and win in the General Election in November.
While speaking to a very large crown at the Hernando Courthouse, I pointed out that on our candidate card there is a picture of Steve holding our granddaughter by our foster son and his wife. I told them what a fool we were as grandparents about her and that she calls Steve "Big." Many grandmothers wanted a campaign card and shared their own grandchildren stories with me.
If you haven't got a campaign card, I'd like to send you one to show off our granddaughter. Steve and I have two sons and two daughters, but only one granddaughter.
Remember, it's March 11. That's the Democratic primary. Thanks and forward this on to others.
The next two weeks will be furiously busy for us, and if you have any time you want to donate, we have something for you to do. You can either respond to this email or call Amy, our office manager at 662-842-6464.
Once again, thank you for your support and generosity!
GH
While Steve was furiously fighting for more Medicaid funds and championing the cigarette tax to help finance health care needs, I was on the phone calling our friends for direct help. The response is great. Many of you have responded in such a generous manner. The Holland Family will never forget.
Deadlines in the Mississippi House of Representatives where Steve is Chairman of Public Health, is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and one of the Leadership Team that sets the whole legislative agenda, all, his responsibilities, have kept him from being out in the district as much as he wants. These travels are confined to the weekends. Professionals say Steve's campaign radio and TV spots are the best in the field this year. We have others to air soon. I hope you're hearing and seeing them. We welcome your feed back.
One way you can help with our campaign is to forward this email to your list of friends and associates on your email contacts list.
Thursday night I represented Steve in DeSoto County where we got a gracious reception and found many who were already carrying our message. They tell us that Steve is the candidate who can win the Special Election on April 22 and win in the General Election in November.
While speaking to a very large crown at the Hernando Courthouse, I pointed out that on our candidate card there is a picture of Steve holding our granddaughter by our foster son and his wife. I told them what a fool we were as grandparents about her and that she calls Steve "Big." Many grandmothers wanted a campaign card and shared their own grandchildren stories with me.
If you haven't got a campaign card, I'd like to send you one to show off our granddaughter. Steve and I have two sons and two daughters, but only one granddaughter.
Remember, it's March 11. That's the Democratic primary. Thanks and forward this on to others.
The next two weeks will be furiously busy for us, and if you have any time you want to donate, we have something for you to do. You can either respond to this email or call Amy, our office manager at 662-842-6464.
Once again, thank you for your support and generosity!
GH
Monday, February 25, 2008
Millionaire's Amendment, the rest of the story
A well informed reader has some more information on FEC rules I should certainly pass on. David Landrum recently triggered the "millionaire's amendment" by contributing more than $350,000 to his own campaign (he has personall loaned his campaign $410,000). Before other candidates can take advantage of this, and go back to individuals who have maxed out to them and receive more money from them, they must first meet two criteria. They can only do this if they raised less money than the Landrum has put in to his race ($410,000), and they must file a Form 11 with the FEC. (This form is an IRS type calculation where you see if you qualify for the excess fundraising amounts.) The reader noted his search at the FEC showed no Form 11s from the other three leading candidates running against Landrum. Also, the millionaire amendment would continue through a runoff even if Landrum spends not a penny more and makes it to a runoff. Thanks for the tip, reader. Also remember, anyone can reach me at annellissimmons at gmail dot com.
Landrum's Votes
Sid Salter Blog - David Landrum: A mixed bag on criticisms... - David Landrum, the Madison County businessman who has spent so much money on TV commercials in the 3rd District Congressional campaign, is drawing fire from his fellow Republican candidates. That's likely because his poll numbers are looking pretty good these days. Landrum has to be considered on the the frontrunners at this point and his media campaign has been excellent.
But what about the criticism from Landrum's opponents? Short answers?
1)David Landrum has given money to Ronnie Musgrove, but he gave far more to Haley Barbour and other Republicans. Landrum said he gave Musgrove the 2003 money because business friends were interested in tort reform. But Musgrove's tort reform special session was in 2002, not 2003. That inconsistency hasn't been explained.
2)David Landrum's personal voting record remains vague and documents he released today purporting to knock down that criticism from his opponents didn't get the job done. But Landrum hasn't dodged questions about it.
I met with David Landrum weeks ago and asked him about rumors that he had not been a regular voter and that records were sketchy that he cast a legitimate ballot in the 2003 elections. There was also the matter of the $1,000 contribution to Gov. Ronnie Musgrove's 2003 campaign — which bothers Republicans voting in a primary. Landrum said his voting problems were the province of having moved from Country Club of Jackson to Madison County and that his voter registration was not handled properly, driving him to cast affidavit ballots. Today, he released records purporting to document that allegations that he hasn't been a regular Republican voters are false. So far, these documents appear to raise more questions than they answer. To satisfy Republican critics, Landrum can best put this to rest by documenting how many elections over the last 20 years that he's voted in and whether he's regularly voted in GOP primaries. To date, Landrum's answers to the allegations about his voting record have been vague.
But as to the $1,000 donation to Musgrove in 2003, Landrum indeed made that donation. But he gave Republican Gov. Haley Barbour $5,000 in 2003. From 2002-2007 Landrum documents donations of over $48,000 to GOP candidates including Barbour($17,000), Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant($11,500), Sec. of State Delbert Hosemann, Rudy Giuliani and the Bush campaign in addition to the Miss. GOP.
Flora Harvester - Rounsaville and Landrum spar over voting record - District 3 Congressional candidate David Landrum has come under fire from a fellow Republican candidate, John Rounsaville, a former Pickering staff member, for allegedly not voting in any election since November of 2000 and for making a campaign contribution to former Democratic Governor Ronnie Musgrove in his race against then Republican candidate for Governor Haley Barbour on October 24, 2003, two weeks before the election.
At a candidate forum on February 11 in Noxapater, Mr. Landrum was questioned about the Musgrove contribution. “I voted for Governor Barbour,” Landrum said. “I think that everybody that knows me knows that I supported Governor Barbour during that election.” During the exchange, Landrum went on to admit to making the contribution explaining that some of his business associates requested he make the donation in 2003 to Musgrove in the interest of tort reform.
But, at a February 20 press conference, Rounsaville produced a Voter Profile Report dated December 7, 2007 that showed that while Landrum had been registered to vote in Madison County since 1991, he had not cast a vote since November 7, 2000.
“Our right to vote is one of our most cherished rights and responsibilities as American citizens. And for a candidate for Congress to have flagrantly and consistently failed to vote is not acceptable,” Rounsaville said. “And to then deceive voters and claim to have voted is even more troubling. If David Landrum couldn’t be bothered to vote in elections here in Mississippi, he has no business asking to be our vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Landrum responded on Friday, February 22 in a press release, and by releasing voter sign in sheets for 2003 GOP Primary Affidavit Voters when he was a resident of District 1 in Hinds County. “After a recent move to Hinds County, David Landrum registered to vote and then voted by affidavit in the City of Jackson for both the 2003 GOP Primary and the 2003 General Election. The signatures copied from the actual voter-sign in books prove that David and his wife Jill voted in both of these elections,” the statement read. The statement went on to state that “During the 2003 election cycle, David Landrum lived in Jackson where he voted in District 1, Precinct 78, in the GOP Primary and the General Election. During the 2007 election cycle, David Landrum lived in Madison County and voted in the 2007 GOP Primary and the General Election.”
Affidavit ballots are made available to persons who claim to be residents of the particular precinct but whose names for some reason do not appear on the rolls. However, a decision on whether or not to count the affidavit ballot is not made until after the polls close, when the executive committee or election commission is totaling the results of the election. Further adding to the confusion, is the fact that there was no computerized statewide voter registration system in Mississippi until 2006. Prior to that, counties were forced to notify one another of a change in a voter’s registration status.
Landrum Campaign Manager Neil Forbes described the Rounsaville statement as a “personal and misleading attack.” "The truth was a casualty earlier this week, and it is time to set the record straight," said Forbes. "David not only voted in these elections but participated in the political process by volunteering his time and resources to Gov. Haley Barbour's transition team in 2003 and other important community service during this period."
But, the tiff between the two campaigns continued on late Friday with Rounsaville’s campaign manager, Danny O’Driscoll releasing yet another statement. “The press release issued earlier today by David Landrum’s campaign failed to provide the proof they claimed to have that David Landrum voted between November 2000 and November 2007. In fact, Landrum’s release misrepresented the two documents that it relied on, further distorting the truth,” the statement read. “Contrary to his campaign’s assertions, David Landrum was never registered to vote in Hinds County. The Hinds County Clerk’s office confirmed again today that David Landrum is not, and has never been, registered to vote there.” The statement went on to describe the claimed signature “illegible” and that the “Hinds County records of the 2003 Republican Primary election do not contain an affidavit voting envelope for David Landrum.”
The release also claims that contrary to the Landrum campaigns rebuttal that “The 2003 Hinds County Voter Registration book for the November election does not contain the name of David Landrum, Thomas David Landrum, or another combination thereof, so this signature cannot be his. He would not have been allowed to sign the poll book if he was not listed as a registered voter. Even if the Landrum campaign’s assertion that David Landrum did attempt to cast a ballot in Hinds County were true, this ballot would have been rejected by the Hinds County Election Commission because he wasn’t a registered voter.”
Rounsaville’s camp also says that Landrum has yet to address why he did not vote in the 2001 Special Election (Flag Referendum), and the 2002, 2004, and 2006 Primary and General Elections. Rounsaville’s release also questions why Landrum “failed to honestly answer why a so-called “Conservative Republican” would give liberal Democrat Governor Ronnie Musgrove a $1,000 contribution just two weeks before his election against Haley Barbour – a tried and true conservative leader.”
WTOK - Landrum Says He Voted in 2003 - Mississippi third district congressional candidate David Landrum Friday responded to an allegation made by an opponent. Earlier this week, fellow Republican John Rounsaville said Landrum had not voted since 2000. Landrum's campaign released records proving that he voted by affidavit in both the primary election and the general election in the 2003 gubernatorial race in Rankin County. Rounsaville also had criticized Landrum for donating to the gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Ronnie Musgrove. Landrum said he donated to both Musgrove and Barbour in 2003, and voted for Barbour. Newscenter 11 contacted Landrum's campaign for comment Wednesday, after Rounsaville held a news conference on this issue, and reported Landrum's acknowledgment of donating to both Musgrove and Barbour. Landrum's campaign also explained the candidate learned in the 2003 election that he was not properly registered, after moving from Hinds County to Madison County, and cast an affidavit ballot.
But what about the criticism from Landrum's opponents? Short answers?
1)David Landrum has given money to Ronnie Musgrove, but he gave far more to Haley Barbour and other Republicans. Landrum said he gave Musgrove the 2003 money because business friends were interested in tort reform. But Musgrove's tort reform special session was in 2002, not 2003. That inconsistency hasn't been explained.
2)David Landrum's personal voting record remains vague and documents he released today purporting to knock down that criticism from his opponents didn't get the job done. But Landrum hasn't dodged questions about it.
I met with David Landrum weeks ago and asked him about rumors that he had not been a regular voter and that records were sketchy that he cast a legitimate ballot in the 2003 elections. There was also the matter of the $1,000 contribution to Gov. Ronnie Musgrove's 2003 campaign — which bothers Republicans voting in a primary. Landrum said his voting problems were the province of having moved from Country Club of Jackson to Madison County and that his voter registration was not handled properly, driving him to cast affidavit ballots. Today, he released records purporting to document that allegations that he hasn't been a regular Republican voters are false. So far, these documents appear to raise more questions than they answer. To satisfy Republican critics, Landrum can best put this to rest by documenting how many elections over the last 20 years that he's voted in and whether he's regularly voted in GOP primaries. To date, Landrum's answers to the allegations about his voting record have been vague.
But as to the $1,000 donation to Musgrove in 2003, Landrum indeed made that donation. But he gave Republican Gov. Haley Barbour $5,000 in 2003. From 2002-2007 Landrum documents donations of over $48,000 to GOP candidates including Barbour($17,000), Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant($11,500), Sec. of State Delbert Hosemann, Rudy Giuliani and the Bush campaign in addition to the Miss. GOP.
Flora Harvester - Rounsaville and Landrum spar over voting record - District 3 Congressional candidate David Landrum has come under fire from a fellow Republican candidate, John Rounsaville, a former Pickering staff member, for allegedly not voting in any election since November of 2000 and for making a campaign contribution to former Democratic Governor Ronnie Musgrove in his race against then Republican candidate for Governor Haley Barbour on October 24, 2003, two weeks before the election.
At a candidate forum on February 11 in Noxapater, Mr. Landrum was questioned about the Musgrove contribution. “I voted for Governor Barbour,” Landrum said. “I think that everybody that knows me knows that I supported Governor Barbour during that election.” During the exchange, Landrum went on to admit to making the contribution explaining that some of his business associates requested he make the donation in 2003 to Musgrove in the interest of tort reform.
But, at a February 20 press conference, Rounsaville produced a Voter Profile Report dated December 7, 2007 that showed that while Landrum had been registered to vote in Madison County since 1991, he had not cast a vote since November 7, 2000.
“Our right to vote is one of our most cherished rights and responsibilities as American citizens. And for a candidate for Congress to have flagrantly and consistently failed to vote is not acceptable,” Rounsaville said. “And to then deceive voters and claim to have voted is even more troubling. If David Landrum couldn’t be bothered to vote in elections here in Mississippi, he has no business asking to be our vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Landrum responded on Friday, February 22 in a press release, and by releasing voter sign in sheets for 2003 GOP Primary Affidavit Voters when he was a resident of District 1 in Hinds County. “After a recent move to Hinds County, David Landrum registered to vote and then voted by affidavit in the City of Jackson for both the 2003 GOP Primary and the 2003 General Election. The signatures copied from the actual voter-sign in books prove that David and his wife Jill voted in both of these elections,” the statement read. The statement went on to state that “During the 2003 election cycle, David Landrum lived in Jackson where he voted in District 1, Precinct 78, in the GOP Primary and the General Election. During the 2007 election cycle, David Landrum lived in Madison County and voted in the 2007 GOP Primary and the General Election.”
Affidavit ballots are made available to persons who claim to be residents of the particular precinct but whose names for some reason do not appear on the rolls. However, a decision on whether or not to count the affidavit ballot is not made until after the polls close, when the executive committee or election commission is totaling the results of the election. Further adding to the confusion, is the fact that there was no computerized statewide voter registration system in Mississippi until 2006. Prior to that, counties were forced to notify one another of a change in a voter’s registration status.
Landrum Campaign Manager Neil Forbes described the Rounsaville statement as a “personal and misleading attack.” "The truth was a casualty earlier this week, and it is time to set the record straight," said Forbes. "David not only voted in these elections but participated in the political process by volunteering his time and resources to Gov. Haley Barbour's transition team in 2003 and other important community service during this period."
But, the tiff between the two campaigns continued on late Friday with Rounsaville’s campaign manager, Danny O’Driscoll releasing yet another statement. “The press release issued earlier today by David Landrum’s campaign failed to provide the proof they claimed to have that David Landrum voted between November 2000 and November 2007. In fact, Landrum’s release misrepresented the two documents that it relied on, further distorting the truth,” the statement read. “Contrary to his campaign’s assertions, David Landrum was never registered to vote in Hinds County. The Hinds County Clerk’s office confirmed again today that David Landrum is not, and has never been, registered to vote there.” The statement went on to describe the claimed signature “illegible” and that the “Hinds County records of the 2003 Republican Primary election do not contain an affidavit voting envelope for David Landrum.”
The release also claims that contrary to the Landrum campaigns rebuttal that “The 2003 Hinds County Voter Registration book for the November election does not contain the name of David Landrum, Thomas David Landrum, or another combination thereof, so this signature cannot be his. He would not have been allowed to sign the poll book if he was not listed as a registered voter. Even if the Landrum campaign’s assertion that David Landrum did attempt to cast a ballot in Hinds County were true, this ballot would have been rejected by the Hinds County Election Commission because he wasn’t a registered voter.”
Rounsaville’s camp also says that Landrum has yet to address why he did not vote in the 2001 Special Election (Flag Referendum), and the 2002, 2004, and 2006 Primary and General Elections. Rounsaville’s release also questions why Landrum “failed to honestly answer why a so-called “Conservative Republican” would give liberal Democrat Governor Ronnie Musgrove a $1,000 contribution just two weeks before his election against Haley Barbour – a tried and true conservative leader.”
WTOK - Landrum Says He Voted in 2003 - Mississippi third district congressional candidate David Landrum Friday responded to an allegation made by an opponent. Earlier this week, fellow Republican John Rounsaville said Landrum had not voted since 2000. Landrum's campaign released records proving that he voted by affidavit in both the primary election and the general election in the 2003 gubernatorial race in Rankin County. Rounsaville also had criticized Landrum for donating to the gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Ronnie Musgrove. Landrum said he donated to both Musgrove and Barbour in 2003, and voted for Barbour. Newscenter 11 contacted Landrum's campaign for comment Wednesday, after Rounsaville held a news conference on this issue, and reported Landrum's acknowledgment of donating to both Musgrove and Barbour. Landrum's campaign also explained the candidate learned in the 2003 election that he was not properly registered, after moving from Hinds County to Madison County, and cast an affidavit ballot.
Rounsaville in Noxubee
WCBI - Noxubee Awards Banquet - The Noxubee County Economic and Community Developement Alliance and Chamber of Commerce honored its man, woman and business of the year Thursday night. Scores of people packed the Civic Center for the annual awards banquet. Plaques were passed out to deserving members of the community. Special guests included congressional candidate John Rounsaville. The thirty-three year old Republican from Madison is hoping to fill the third congressional district seat being vacated by Chip Pickering.
Red & Blue on Landrum
Red - Andy Taggart - I have previously disclosed my long-time friendship with and support of Gregg Harper in the GOP primary for the Third Congressional District seat. I am here disclosing that friendship and support again. I hope Gregg wins and I am working in a volunteer capacity to try to help him win. Having said that, I am really surprised that David Landrum has triggered the so-called "Millionaire's Amendment" to the federal campaign finance laws. I'm not surprised, mind you, that Landrum has enough money to trigger the Millionaire's Amendment. I'm just surprised he would do it, tactically speaking. Last year, Landrum gave his own campaign $200,000. Since the first of this year, he's put in another $210,000 (in seven weeks!). That $410,000 total exceeds the $350,000 limit that a candidate may give to his own campaign without allowing the limits on individual contributions to all the other candidates in the race to be tripled. What that all says to me is that Landrum has concluded that he can't get by with only giving his campaign $349,000 -- a huge sum, but still below the Millionaire's Amendment trigger. He has apparently decided that he must have even more money to get to where he needs to be in the race. Pretty interesting stuff that, and it confirms what the buzz has become in the campaign, which is that Landrum has peaked and is now tailing off. That's not the direction a candidate wants to see his campaign take in the last two weeks before the election. We're about to see first-hand whether campaign momentum can be pushed back up with cash alone, I guess.
Blue - Jere Nash - Andy's post may explain why Landrum's latest ad is so strident and provocative. If it is true that he's peaked, and if he realizes it, then he may believe his only way to salvage the election is to get on television with an ad that is so jarring that perhaps voters will finally take notice of his campaign.
Blue - Jere Nash - Andy's post may explain why Landrum's latest ad is so strident and provocative. If it is true that he's peaked, and if he realizes it, then he may believe his only way to salvage the election is to get on television with an ad that is so jarring that perhaps voters will finally take notice of his campaign.
Three Republicans in Desoto Forum
Desoto Times - Republicans go head-to-head - The three Republican candidates vying to become the next U.S. Representative from the First Congressional District squared off Thursday in a forum sponsored by the Republican Women of the DeSoto Area.
Russell, a practicing ophthalmologist from Oxford, called himself a true disciple of Ronald Reagan and family values advocate. He and his wife Amy, parents of two biological children, have been foster parents to 90 children during the course of their 24-year marriage. "There is nothing more important than protecting human life," Russell said. "Every one of us started out as a fertilized egg." Russell said he would protect the rights of the unborn if elected to Congress and work to secure America's borders. "You don't leave the door to your home open," Russell said. "America is our home." Russell estimates there are between 20 to 30 million people who are not supposed to be in this country." Russell said the state of American healthcare needs to be improved and be made more efficient. A staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights, Russell said he advocates a strong military.
Glenn McCullough, Jr., a sixth-generation Mississippian, said he, too, is a conservative Republican who will protect America's freedoms. "This country is founded on your right to life," McCullough said, citing the preamble to the "Declaration of Independence that guaranteed "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." "It's a basic right that all Americans have," McCullough said. "If we forget we are one nation under God, we will be a nation gone under." He chastised what he called "liberal courts that take away basic freedoms.' McCullough, former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, also touted his working relationships with Washington D.C. power brokers such as Mississippi's senior U.S. Senator Thad Cochran. "We need to make sure you have full funding for I-69," McCullough said. "DeSoto County is the 34th fastest growing county in the U.S. I am the person who has sat down with Sen. Cochran and his staff." McCullough said the future Interstate 22 needs to be completed in parts of Alabama to fully operate as an interstate system. He said the region's airports and other infrastructure are important to the county's future. "The second busiest private airport in the state is in Olive Branch," McCullough noted. McCullough said as a former mayor, city council member and business leader, he knows how to work with various levels of government to build on that investment.
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis said his tenure of service as a mayor for 11 years and a state legislator for seven years has proved his leadership abilities. Davis served as a state legislator from Southaven from 1991-97. "When we were down there, we were the Right to Life authors," Davis said, adding lawmakers were among the first in the nation to outlaw partial birth abortion. "I'm a firm believer in the sanctity of life," Davis, father of three young daughters. Davis said if elected to Congress he would bring the same type of efficiency in government that he has brought to City Hall. "We've been able to acquire enough renters at city hall to pay for our utilities," Davis said. "We've gone from spending 60 percent on bureaucrats to more than 60 percent on public safety." Davis said as mayor Southaven's crime index is far lower than neighboring Memphis. Davis said Memphis has a crime index of 18.5 while Southaven's crime index is at 1.7 for violent crime. That equates to 1.7 instances of violent crime per one thousand people. Davis said his city invested more than $10 million into Snowden Grove and has seen a return on that investment of nearly 100,000 visitors a year. "It was because we had a vision," Davis said.
Russell, a practicing ophthalmologist from Oxford, called himself a true disciple of Ronald Reagan and family values advocate. He and his wife Amy, parents of two biological children, have been foster parents to 90 children during the course of their 24-year marriage. "There is nothing more important than protecting human life," Russell said. "Every one of us started out as a fertilized egg." Russell said he would protect the rights of the unborn if elected to Congress and work to secure America's borders. "You don't leave the door to your home open," Russell said. "America is our home." Russell estimates there are between 20 to 30 million people who are not supposed to be in this country." Russell said the state of American healthcare needs to be improved and be made more efficient. A staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights, Russell said he advocates a strong military.
Glenn McCullough, Jr., a sixth-generation Mississippian, said he, too, is a conservative Republican who will protect America's freedoms. "This country is founded on your right to life," McCullough said, citing the preamble to the "Declaration of Independence that guaranteed "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." "It's a basic right that all Americans have," McCullough said. "If we forget we are one nation under God, we will be a nation gone under." He chastised what he called "liberal courts that take away basic freedoms.' McCullough, former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, also touted his working relationships with Washington D.C. power brokers such as Mississippi's senior U.S. Senator Thad Cochran. "We need to make sure you have full funding for I-69," McCullough said. "DeSoto County is the 34th fastest growing county in the U.S. I am the person who has sat down with Sen. Cochran and his staff." McCullough said the future Interstate 22 needs to be completed in parts of Alabama to fully operate as an interstate system. He said the region's airports and other infrastructure are important to the county's future. "The second busiest private airport in the state is in Olive Branch," McCullough noted. McCullough said as a former mayor, city council member and business leader, he knows how to work with various levels of government to build on that investment.
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis said his tenure of service as a mayor for 11 years and a state legislator for seven years has proved his leadership abilities. Davis served as a state legislator from Southaven from 1991-97. "When we were down there, we were the Right to Life authors," Davis said, adding lawmakers were among the first in the nation to outlaw partial birth abortion. "I'm a firm believer in the sanctity of life," Davis, father of three young daughters. Davis said if elected to Congress he would bring the same type of efficiency in government that he has brought to City Hall. "We've been able to acquire enough renters at city hall to pay for our utilities," Davis said. "We've gone from spending 60 percent on bureaucrats to more than 60 percent on public safety." Davis said as mayor Southaven's crime index is far lower than neighboring Memphis. Davis said Memphis has a crime index of 18.5 while Southaven's crime index is at 1.7 for violent crime. That equates to 1.7 instances of violent crime per one thousand people. Davis said his city invested more than $10 million into Snowden Grove and has seen a return on that investment of nearly 100,000 visitors a year. "It was because we had a vision," Davis said.
Democrats in Desoto
Desoto Times - Democrats say it's their year - A packed house at the DeSoto County Courthouse listened as Democratic candidates vying for House and Senate seats outlined their plans to improve the economy and fix the nation's health care crisis. A half dozen Democratic candidates spoke before an estimated crowd of 200 people at one of the largest Democratic gatherings in recent history.
Travis Childers, 49, is seeking Roger Wicker's former First Congressional District House seat. "This is an important election - a seat that has only opened up twice in my lifetime," Childers said. A longtime Prentiss County Chancery Clerk, nursing home owner and realtor from Booneville, Childers touts his ties to the working people of Mississippi. Childers said he was just 16 when his father died in 1974. His mother worked two jobs to put food on the family's table. Childers went on to college while working full time to pay his way. The Ole Miss graduate now runs a 120-bed nursing home in Booneville. "I stand for the working class people," Childers said. "It's a tragedy that working class families don't have health care. This campaign is about jobs. It's about the economy."
Gloria Holland, speaking on behalf of her husband, longtime State Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, said Holland, chairman of the House, Public Health Committee, is committed to making health care affordable for all Mississippians. Holland formerly chaired the House Agricultural Committee. He initiated the state Children's health Insurance Program. "Steve Holland has stood for North Mississippi for the past 25 years," Gloria Holland, mayor of Plantersville, told the audience.
Lawyer Brian Neely, 47, of Tupelo is also in the running for the First Congressional District seat. "People are suffering and they are hurting," Neely said. The son of a physician, Neely said he knows about the need to improve health care. "I know what it's like to have an elderly parent, and have to decide between groceries and medicine. We are citizens of the richest country in the world. It's absolutely ridiculous." A disabled veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Neely said veterans need assistance. He promised "new ideas and new vision."
Marshall Coleman, also seeking the First Congressional seat, said he has been endorsed by James "Ken" Hurt who has withdrawn from the race. "Rural America is hurting," Coleman said. "There aren't a lot of jobs there. Everything has been stagnated by the economy." Coleman said he would push for a way to allow illegal immigrants to earn citizenship by paying taxes. They must learn English, Coleman said. "Jobs are the number one issue," Coleman said. "We need jobs before we need highways. Big business has overpowered us."
Travis Childers, 49, is seeking Roger Wicker's former First Congressional District House seat. "This is an important election - a seat that has only opened up twice in my lifetime," Childers said. A longtime Prentiss County Chancery Clerk, nursing home owner and realtor from Booneville, Childers touts his ties to the working people of Mississippi. Childers said he was just 16 when his father died in 1974. His mother worked two jobs to put food on the family's table. Childers went on to college while working full time to pay his way. The Ole Miss graduate now runs a 120-bed nursing home in Booneville. "I stand for the working class people," Childers said. "It's a tragedy that working class families don't have health care. This campaign is about jobs. It's about the economy."
Gloria Holland, speaking on behalf of her husband, longtime State Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, said Holland, chairman of the House, Public Health Committee, is committed to making health care affordable for all Mississippians. Holland formerly chaired the House Agricultural Committee. He initiated the state Children's health Insurance Program. "Steve Holland has stood for North Mississippi for the past 25 years," Gloria Holland, mayor of Plantersville, told the audience.
Lawyer Brian Neely, 47, of Tupelo is also in the running for the First Congressional District seat. "People are suffering and they are hurting," Neely said. The son of a physician, Neely said he knows about the need to improve health care. "I know what it's like to have an elderly parent, and have to decide between groceries and medicine. We are citizens of the richest country in the world. It's absolutely ridiculous." A disabled veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Neely said veterans need assistance. He promised "new ideas and new vision."
Marshall Coleman, also seeking the First Congressional seat, said he has been endorsed by James "Ken" Hurt who has withdrawn from the race. "Rural America is hurting," Coleman said. "There aren't a lot of jobs there. Everything has been stagnated by the economy." Coleman said he would push for a way to allow illegal immigrants to earn citizenship by paying taxes. They must learn English, Coleman said. "Jobs are the number one issue," Coleman said. "We need jobs before we need highways. Big business has overpowered us."
Election Coming Fast
Clarion Ledger Editorial - Voters in Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District will go to the polls on March 11 to formally begin the process of choosing a successor to retiring U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering, R-Flora. Pickering announced last year that he was stepping down after six terms in office to devote more time to his wife and five children. But for Pickering, as for the voters, this election to select his successor must seem very familiar.
When the late U.S. Rep. G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery stepped down in 1996 after 30 years on Capitol Hill, Pickering was one of 10 candidates seeking to succeed him. The field was large and campaign appearances and debates were large and unwieldy. Pickering was young and there were several strong candidates in the race. Even the "also-ran" candidates Pickering faced were sincere and knowledgeable and each brought good ideas and good intentions to the table.
After a grueling first primary, Pickering withstood a Republican second primary challenge from Bill Crawford to win his first election and moved on to face Democrat John Arthur Eaves Jr. in the general election. Pickering won handily.
With the election now less than three weeks away, voters must begin to choose Pickering's successor from this field of nine candidates. The issues are unlikely to change in that time frame, but the debates have revealed that a great deal of voter confusion remains.
The congressional elections will be held March 11. Runoff elections, if necessary, will follow on April 1. Then begins the long march to the November general election, when Mississippians will help choose a new president, elect U.S. senators and at least two new congressmen.
The candidates are working hard. But without strong voter participation, these officials will be chosen by a majority of a minority of Mississippi voters - which makes voter dissatisfaction a self-fulfilling prophecy. Vote!
When the late U.S. Rep. G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery stepped down in 1996 after 30 years on Capitol Hill, Pickering was one of 10 candidates seeking to succeed him. The field was large and campaign appearances and debates were large and unwieldy. Pickering was young and there were several strong candidates in the race. Even the "also-ran" candidates Pickering faced were sincere and knowledgeable and each brought good ideas and good intentions to the table.
After a grueling first primary, Pickering withstood a Republican second primary challenge from Bill Crawford to win his first election and moved on to face Democrat John Arthur Eaves Jr. in the general election. Pickering won handily.
With the election now less than three weeks away, voters must begin to choose Pickering's successor from this field of nine candidates. The issues are unlikely to change in that time frame, but the debates have revealed that a great deal of voter confusion remains.
The congressional elections will be held March 11. Runoff elections, if necessary, will follow on April 1. Then begins the long march to the November general election, when Mississippians will help choose a new president, elect U.S. senators and at least two new congressmen.
The candidates are working hard. But without strong voter participation, these officials will be chosen by a majority of a minority of Mississippi voters - which makes voter dissatisfaction a self-fulfilling prophecy. Vote!
Candidates in Brief
Clarion Ledger - 3rd Congressional District race: Candidates offer vision
Nine challengers seeking to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering, R-Flora, in Congress - Rev. James Broadwater - Broadwater, 44, is a Republican from Jackson. He and his wife, Lani, have a son and are Baptist. He is a minister and state employee. Broadwater is a graduate of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Southern Mississippi. He has previously run for Congress and for the state Legislature. "The most important question is, 'Who will stand up for moral values?,'" Broadwater said. "It's not Gregg Harper, who endorsed Mitt Romney for president. It's not David Landrum, who has so much money he doesn't understand what it's like not to have it. It's James Broadwater, who has worked in the pro-life cause for over 20 years, who stands for faith, family, and freedom, who is an unwavering supporter of Mike Huckabee for president, and who will do what's right, no matter which way the wind blows."
Randall "Randy" Eads - Eads, 30, is a Democrat from Starkville. He and his wife, Miranda, have no children and are Baptist. He is a recent Mississippi College School of Law graduate, holds undergraduate degrees from Tennessee and VMI, and owns a real estate company. "The economy is the single most important issue," Eads said. "People are losing their homes to foreclosure, gas prices are outrageous, wages are not rising to keep pace with inflation, health insurance premiums are rising, and future job opportunities are lacking."
Gregg Harper - Harper, 51, is a Republican from Pearl. He and his wife, Sidney, have two children and the family attends the Baptist church. He is a gradate of Mississippi College and the Ole Miss School of Law. Harper is an attorney and city prosecutor for the cities of Richland and Brandon. He has been chairman of the Rankin County GOP for the last 8 years. "Though there are a number of issues important to our candidacy, there is no question that as we have traveled throughout the 28 counties of this district, taking control of illegal immigration by securing the border, enforcing existing laws, opposing amnesty and ending taxpayer benefits to illegals is the most important issue to me and to the voters," said Harper. "I see this issue as a matter of national security and it will be one of my top priorities if I am honored to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives."
Joel Gill - Gill, 56, is a Democrat from Pickens. He and his wife, Penny, have two children and four grandchildren and are Methodist. He is a graduate of Millsaps College. He is the chief financial officer and managing partner of Mississippi Order Buyers, Inc., and is a Pickens town alderman. "The single most important issue facing the voters of the 3rd District is having their voice heard and represented instead of their congressman following the dictates of the party at the national level regardless of the will of the people, whether that be on illegal immigration, Free Trade Agreements that hurt our small manufacturers and farmers, or restoring fairness to the tax system," said Gill.
Gregory W. Hatcher - Hatcher, 48, is a Republican from Meridian. Hatcher, who is single, is a public relations, marketing and business development consultant. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and is a Methodist. "Are the people of the 3rd District ready to elect an individual who will represent the needs of all the people in every city, town, and community in the district instead of serving the desires of special interests with their influence and money?" Hatcher asked.
David Landrum - Landrum, 52, is a Republican from Madison. Landrum is a businessman who is a graduate of Jones County Junior College and attended the University of Southern Mississippi. He served three years active duty in the U.S. Army. He and his wife Jill have two children and are Baptist. "I believe my experience as a veteran and a businessman is what we need in Washington," said Landrum. "I have been involved in creating jobs in Mississippi for nearly 30 years, and I will continue to work to create jobs and encourage more businesses to come to the 3rd District. As an Army veteran, I understand the need for a strong military and honoring the service of our veterans. I will work to secure our borders, fight to stop illegal immigration, and work to protect our Mississippi values."
William "Bill" Marcy - Marcy, 62, is a Republican from Meridian. He is retired from the Chicago Police Department where he was a tactical officer and a former private sector security director. He and his wife Susan have grown children and are Christians. "If I become your congressman I will fight to end NAFTA," said Marcy. "I will fight close our borders to all illegals and terrorist and send back anyone that is not in this country legally. I will vote to rewrite laws to eliminate this sin of abortion and help pass a constitutional amendment so that this never happens again. I also pledge to refuse to support any judge that won't overturn Roe vs. Wade."
Charlie Ross - Ross, 51, is a Republican from Brandon. Ross is an attorney and former state senator. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Harvard University Law School. He was a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife Sharon have two sons and the family is Presbyterian. "I am anti-illegal immigration, for a strong national defense, and believe it is imperative that we protect the unborn," said Ross. "If I had to single out an issue, however, it is jobs. I am pro-business. I had the highest pro-business rating given to any Mississippi legislator. It is critical that government provide the environment and infrastructure to stimulate job creation and thus enhance the quality of life for all Mississippians and provide our children an opportunity to stay in Mississippi. I will also work diligently to cut wasteful spending and oppose tax increases."
John Rounsaville - Rounsaville, 33, is a Republican from Madison. Rounsaville and his wife, Laura, are Methodist. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in business from Mississippi State University. He is a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard and is a former state director the USDA Rural Development agency and a former staffer for U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering and Gov. Haley Barbour. "The economy is the most important issue. Gov. Barbour has set a strong course for economic growth and job creation in Mississippi, and we've been very successful in locating new industry," said Rounsaville. "Some areas, however, have not enjoyed this growth. As Gov. Barbour's economic development aide, I am confident that I am well suited to continue the fight to bring higher-skilled and better paying jobs to help grow the 3rd District."
The Flora Harvester - District 3 race heats up - Harper, an attorney for over twenty-six years and current prosecuting attorney for the cities of Brandon and Richland, has relied on grass roots campaigning to get his message to the public. He was in Flora on February 9 for a breakfast at Howell’s Restaurant. During the meal, Harper discussed his platform and answered a wide range of questions from the 30 people on hand. He followed the breakfast with a tour of the potential site for the proposed National Bio and Agro Defense Facility at the Flora Industrial Park, and also met with voters at Cotton Exchange Plaza. Landrum is a businessman from Jones County who now lives in Madison County. His campaign has focused on advertising as a means of getting his message to the District 3 voters. Advertising is an expensive endeavor. According to Federal Election Commission records, Landrum has loaned his campaign $410,000 of his own personal funds during the entire election cycle, $210,000 of that has come since January 22, 2008. By exceeding the $350,000 contribution level to his own campaign, Landrum has triggered what is referred to as the ‘millionaire amendment’ in the FEC election law. The millionaire amendment was added to McCain-Feingold campaign finance law in order to ease the personal financial influence that any candidate can have on a race by making donations to his or her own campaign. As a result of Landrum’s huge contribution numbers, the amendment kicks in allowing the other candidates to legally triple the per person contribution limits, moving that figure from a $2300 to $6900 limit per donor. Ross is an attorney and former state senator. He has stuck with much of the same themes he ran on in his failed bid to be Lieutenant Governor last year, and has picked up endorsements from the Club for Growth, Home Builders Assn., the Mississippi Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Assn. The former District 20 State Senator is widely credited as helping to usher tort reform through the State Senate.
Nine challengers seeking to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering, R-Flora, in Congress - Rev. James Broadwater - Broadwater, 44, is a Republican from Jackson. He and his wife, Lani, have a son and are Baptist. He is a minister and state employee. Broadwater is a graduate of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Southern Mississippi. He has previously run for Congress and for the state Legislature. "The most important question is, 'Who will stand up for moral values?,'" Broadwater said. "It's not Gregg Harper, who endorsed Mitt Romney for president. It's not David Landrum, who has so much money he doesn't understand what it's like not to have it. It's James Broadwater, who has worked in the pro-life cause for over 20 years, who stands for faith, family, and freedom, who is an unwavering supporter of Mike Huckabee for president, and who will do what's right, no matter which way the wind blows."
Randall "Randy" Eads - Eads, 30, is a Democrat from Starkville. He and his wife, Miranda, have no children and are Baptist. He is a recent Mississippi College School of Law graduate, holds undergraduate degrees from Tennessee and VMI, and owns a real estate company. "The economy is the single most important issue," Eads said. "People are losing their homes to foreclosure, gas prices are outrageous, wages are not rising to keep pace with inflation, health insurance premiums are rising, and future job opportunities are lacking."
Gregg Harper - Harper, 51, is a Republican from Pearl. He and his wife, Sidney, have two children and the family attends the Baptist church. He is a gradate of Mississippi College and the Ole Miss School of Law. Harper is an attorney and city prosecutor for the cities of Richland and Brandon. He has been chairman of the Rankin County GOP for the last 8 years. "Though there are a number of issues important to our candidacy, there is no question that as we have traveled throughout the 28 counties of this district, taking control of illegal immigration by securing the border, enforcing existing laws, opposing amnesty and ending taxpayer benefits to illegals is the most important issue to me and to the voters," said Harper. "I see this issue as a matter of national security and it will be one of my top priorities if I am honored to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives."
Joel Gill - Gill, 56, is a Democrat from Pickens. He and his wife, Penny, have two children and four grandchildren and are Methodist. He is a graduate of Millsaps College. He is the chief financial officer and managing partner of Mississippi Order Buyers, Inc., and is a Pickens town alderman. "The single most important issue facing the voters of the 3rd District is having their voice heard and represented instead of their congressman following the dictates of the party at the national level regardless of the will of the people, whether that be on illegal immigration, Free Trade Agreements that hurt our small manufacturers and farmers, or restoring fairness to the tax system," said Gill.
Gregory W. Hatcher - Hatcher, 48, is a Republican from Meridian. Hatcher, who is single, is a public relations, marketing and business development consultant. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and is a Methodist. "Are the people of the 3rd District ready to elect an individual who will represent the needs of all the people in every city, town, and community in the district instead of serving the desires of special interests with their influence and money?" Hatcher asked.
David Landrum - Landrum, 52, is a Republican from Madison. Landrum is a businessman who is a graduate of Jones County Junior College and attended the University of Southern Mississippi. He served three years active duty in the U.S. Army. He and his wife Jill have two children and are Baptist. "I believe my experience as a veteran and a businessman is what we need in Washington," said Landrum. "I have been involved in creating jobs in Mississippi for nearly 30 years, and I will continue to work to create jobs and encourage more businesses to come to the 3rd District. As an Army veteran, I understand the need for a strong military and honoring the service of our veterans. I will work to secure our borders, fight to stop illegal immigration, and work to protect our Mississippi values."
William "Bill" Marcy - Marcy, 62, is a Republican from Meridian. He is retired from the Chicago Police Department where he was a tactical officer and a former private sector security director. He and his wife Susan have grown children and are Christians. "If I become your congressman I will fight to end NAFTA," said Marcy. "I will fight close our borders to all illegals and terrorist and send back anyone that is not in this country legally. I will vote to rewrite laws to eliminate this sin of abortion and help pass a constitutional amendment so that this never happens again. I also pledge to refuse to support any judge that won't overturn Roe vs. Wade."
Charlie Ross - Ross, 51, is a Republican from Brandon. Ross is an attorney and former state senator. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Harvard University Law School. He was a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife Sharon have two sons and the family is Presbyterian. "I am anti-illegal immigration, for a strong national defense, and believe it is imperative that we protect the unborn," said Ross. "If I had to single out an issue, however, it is jobs. I am pro-business. I had the highest pro-business rating given to any Mississippi legislator. It is critical that government provide the environment and infrastructure to stimulate job creation and thus enhance the quality of life for all Mississippians and provide our children an opportunity to stay in Mississippi. I will also work diligently to cut wasteful spending and oppose tax increases."
John Rounsaville - Rounsaville, 33, is a Republican from Madison. Rounsaville and his wife, Laura, are Methodist. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in business from Mississippi State University. He is a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard and is a former state director the USDA Rural Development agency and a former staffer for U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering and Gov. Haley Barbour. "The economy is the most important issue. Gov. Barbour has set a strong course for economic growth and job creation in Mississippi, and we've been very successful in locating new industry," said Rounsaville. "Some areas, however, have not enjoyed this growth. As Gov. Barbour's economic development aide, I am confident that I am well suited to continue the fight to bring higher-skilled and better paying jobs to help grow the 3rd District."
The Flora Harvester - District 3 race heats up - Harper, an attorney for over twenty-six years and current prosecuting attorney for the cities of Brandon and Richland, has relied on grass roots campaigning to get his message to the public. He was in Flora on February 9 for a breakfast at Howell’s Restaurant. During the meal, Harper discussed his platform and answered a wide range of questions from the 30 people on hand. He followed the breakfast with a tour of the potential site for the proposed National Bio and Agro Defense Facility at the Flora Industrial Park, and also met with voters at Cotton Exchange Plaza. Landrum is a businessman from Jones County who now lives in Madison County. His campaign has focused on advertising as a means of getting his message to the District 3 voters. Advertising is an expensive endeavor. According to Federal Election Commission records, Landrum has loaned his campaign $410,000 of his own personal funds during the entire election cycle, $210,000 of that has come since January 22, 2008. By exceeding the $350,000 contribution level to his own campaign, Landrum has triggered what is referred to as the ‘millionaire amendment’ in the FEC election law. The millionaire amendment was added to McCain-Feingold campaign finance law in order to ease the personal financial influence that any candidate can have on a race by making donations to his or her own campaign. As a result of Landrum’s huge contribution numbers, the amendment kicks in allowing the other candidates to legally triple the per person contribution limits, moving that figure from a $2300 to $6900 limit per donor. Ross is an attorney and former state senator. He has stuck with much of the same themes he ran on in his failed bid to be Lieutenant Governor last year, and has picked up endorsements from the Club for Growth, Home Builders Assn., the Mississippi Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Assn. The former District 20 State Senator is widely credited as helping to usher tort reform through the State Senate.
Monticello Forum
The Daily Leader - Republicans plan forum for Third District candidates
- The contest for Mississippi's Third Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives continues next week as the Lawrence County Republican Party and the City of Monticello host a political forum for five of the seven Republican candidates. The forum will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Lawrence County Civic Center in Monticello. The five candidates committed to the event are Gregg Harper, of Pearl; John Rounsaville, of Madison; Gregory Hatcher, of Meridian; Billy Marcy, of Meridian; and James Broadwater, of Flowood. Madison's David Landrum and Charlie Ross, of Brandon, have prior commitments and will not be able to attend the forum. However, the two absent candidates will not go unrepresented - members of each man's staff will sit in at the forum. The forum in Monticello will allow questions to be posed from members of the audience, a method of debate that stems from the forum's conception. The Lawrence County forum will not only familiarize the public with the candidates' stances, but with the candidates themselves. Each candidate will be given five minutes at the beginning of the debate to give a biography - more than twice the time allotted for introductions during the Stennis debates. "We're looking at focusing this debate from a Southwest Mississippi angle, specifically from the counties of Lincoln, Lawrence and Jefferson Davis," Penny said. "I'm hoping we have some questions from our panelists and audience addressing the economic development issues for our area - we haven't had a lot of economic growth in this area in a number of years." Besides economic development, Penny said he believes the two most important issues facing the citizens of the Third Congressional District are immigration and the price of fuel. He said the candidates need to be able to address these issues. Penny said he expects at least 100 people to attend the forum.
- The contest for Mississippi's Third Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives continues next week as the Lawrence County Republican Party and the City of Monticello host a political forum for five of the seven Republican candidates. The forum will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Lawrence County Civic Center in Monticello. The five candidates committed to the event are Gregg Harper, of Pearl; John Rounsaville, of Madison; Gregory Hatcher, of Meridian; Billy Marcy, of Meridian; and James Broadwater, of Flowood. Madison's David Landrum and Charlie Ross, of Brandon, have prior commitments and will not be able to attend the forum. However, the two absent candidates will not go unrepresented - members of each man's staff will sit in at the forum. The forum in Monticello will allow questions to be posed from members of the audience, a method of debate that stems from the forum's conception. The Lawrence County forum will not only familiarize the public with the candidates' stances, but with the candidates themselves. Each candidate will be given five minutes at the beginning of the debate to give a biography - more than twice the time allotted for introductions during the Stennis debates. "We're looking at focusing this debate from a Southwest Mississippi angle, specifically from the counties of Lincoln, Lawrence and Jefferson Davis," Penny said. "I'm hoping we have some questions from our panelists and audience addressing the economic development issues for our area - we haven't had a lot of economic growth in this area in a number of years." Besides economic development, Penny said he believes the two most important issues facing the citizens of the Third Congressional District are immigration and the price of fuel. He said the candidates need to be able to address these issues. Penny said he expects at least 100 people to attend the forum.
Brian Neely - Country Lawyer
Commercial Appeal - 'Country lawyer' pushes highways, schools, health; Ex-Marine seeks to replace Wicker in First District seat - Brian Neely is keying his Democratic Party primary race for the First District U.S. House seat on three main issues: Infrastructure improvements, educational reform and health care reform. He describes himself as a "country lawyer," practicing primarily in Lee and surrounding counties, but he formerly served as the appointed Lee County prosecuting attorney. Among his ideas to help First District residents, Neely has some ideas for DeSoto County in particular. "For example, I believe there should be a by-pass in DeSoto County to move the traffic from U.S. 78 over to Interstate 55 without all that congestion on Goodman Road," he said. "That would help commerce, but it would also save money for the through-traffic and it would cut down on the air pollution there." Similarly, he said it's ridiculous that people in Tupelo must rely on the two-lane Natchez Trace Parkway as their best route to the state capitol in Jackson. And he said leaders should work on getting a four-lane highway from Columbus to Birmingham. "Our leaders should do what they can to help our citizens, and we need someone who can also work with leaders in other states like Tennessee, Alabama and Arkansas," he said. But he said the experience with the VA pharmacy "shows me that we need prescription medical relief. "If the VA can negotiate for better prices on drugs, so could Medicare. It's obscene that we allow the system to keep punishing our elderly citizens on drugs when we could make life better for them. Neely said his campaign will be characterized mainly by networking -- door-to-door work by himself and his aides -- and through television and newspaper advertising. "I have 12 local chairmen in the 22 counties, but we're very well organized," he said.
Letters for Ross, Harper
Clarion Ledger - Ross has received many 'important endorsements' - It is obvious your newspaper is not being fair to Charlie Ross who is a candidate for Congress from the 3rd District to replace Chip Pickering. He has received many important endorsements, of which The Clarion-Ledger never informs its readers. I have not been able to find this information in your newspaper. Charlie, being the most experienced and qualified candidate, is being recognized by his constituents as such, and the voters in the 3rd District need to know about it. For their information, Ross has been endorsed by the Club for Growth, Home Builders Association of Mississippi, Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association, and Mississippi Associated Builders and Contractors. I am sure there will be others, but these are the ones as of this date. - Anne Lewis, Brandon
Clarion Ledger - Congressional candidate Ross 'means business' - I'm supporting Charlie Ross for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District in the Republican primary on March 11, because "Charlie Ross means business." Charlie is a sometimes gruff, no-nonsense guy. He is not a glib, back-slapping, or "hail fellow well met" kind of candidate. Indeed, "Charlie Ross means business." He means so much business that he had the highest pro-business BIPEC rating in the Mississippi Senate. He means so much business that he shepherded tort reform through the Senate to become the law in Mississippi - an accomplishment that has, and will, bring high-paying jobs back to Mississippi, and has transformed the working environment for the practice of medicine. He means so much business that he will continue to make Mississippi a business-friendly state with lower taxes for individuals and businesses alike. Charlie's no-nonsense style means a strong national defense, lower taxes, protection of individual rights, and a solution to illegal immigration. Charlie is a very smart guy with proven leadership skills in our Senate. He will be immediately acknowledged by his colleagues in the U.S. Congress as a capable, able, focused, and no-nonsense leader, and will serve Mississippi as a hard, steely and brilliant "get-things-done" kind of representative. If you want to vote for a lightweight or pretender, or a "feel-good," "I'm your best friend," fluffy, vague, glossy candidate, don't vote for Ross, because it's true that "Charlie Ross means business." - Heddy-Dale Matthias, Madison
Meridian Star - Reader supports Harper - The person who occupies a seat in the House of Representatives more than anything else needs to be a servant. That is why I am supporting my long time friend Gregg Harper for the 3rd Congressional District. For Gregg Harper, being involved in helping others through the political process is more than giving money and voting. It is service, and he has been serving others through politics for years. In the 36 years I have known Gregg Harper he has always been involved in helping make life better for others, not just enriching himself. He knows that the House of Representatives is not a glamour position, and for Gregg Harper, it is not a stepping-stone to some other political prize down the road. It is a place where he can serve the needs of the people of Mississippi. I am proud to call Gregg Harper one of my oldest and dearest friends. I am even prouder to give my wholehearted support to his campaign to represent the 3rd Congressional District as our congressman. I urge you to give him your support, too. - Carl M. White, Meridian
Clarion Ledger - Congressional candidate Ross 'means business' - I'm supporting Charlie Ross for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District in the Republican primary on March 11, because "Charlie Ross means business." Charlie is a sometimes gruff, no-nonsense guy. He is not a glib, back-slapping, or "hail fellow well met" kind of candidate. Indeed, "Charlie Ross means business." He means so much business that he had the highest pro-business BIPEC rating in the Mississippi Senate. He means so much business that he shepherded tort reform through the Senate to become the law in Mississippi - an accomplishment that has, and will, bring high-paying jobs back to Mississippi, and has transformed the working environment for the practice of medicine. He means so much business that he will continue to make Mississippi a business-friendly state with lower taxes for individuals and businesses alike. Charlie's no-nonsense style means a strong national defense, lower taxes, protection of individual rights, and a solution to illegal immigration. Charlie is a very smart guy with proven leadership skills in our Senate. He will be immediately acknowledged by his colleagues in the U.S. Congress as a capable, able, focused, and no-nonsense leader, and will serve Mississippi as a hard, steely and brilliant "get-things-done" kind of representative. If you want to vote for a lightweight or pretender, or a "feel-good," "I'm your best friend," fluffy, vague, glossy candidate, don't vote for Ross, because it's true that "Charlie Ross means business." - Heddy-Dale Matthias, Madison
Meridian Star - Reader supports Harper - The person who occupies a seat in the House of Representatives more than anything else needs to be a servant. That is why I am supporting my long time friend Gregg Harper for the 3rd Congressional District. For Gregg Harper, being involved in helping others through the political process is more than giving money and voting. It is service, and he has been serving others through politics for years. In the 36 years I have known Gregg Harper he has always been involved in helping make life better for others, not just enriching himself. He knows that the House of Representatives is not a glamour position, and for Gregg Harper, it is not a stepping-stone to some other political prize down the road. It is a place where he can serve the needs of the people of Mississippi. I am proud to call Gregg Harper one of my oldest and dearest friends. I am even prouder to give my wholehearted support to his campaign to represent the 3rd Congressional District as our congressman. I urge you to give him your support, too. - Carl M. White, Meridian
Friday, February 22, 2008
Rounsaville Rejects Landrum's Response
February 22, 2008 Contact: Danny O'Driscoll
For Immediate Release
601.906.2214
FACT CHECK: DESPITE RESPONSE, LANDRUM DID NOT VOTE
The following statement was issued by Danny O'Driscoll, campaign manager for the John Rounsaville campaign:
"The press release issued earlier today by David Landrum's campaign failed to provide the proof they claimed to have that David Landrum voted between November 2000 and November 2007. In fact, Landrum's release misrepresented the two documents that it relied on, further distorting the truth.
Contrary to his campaign's assertions, David Landrum was never registered to vote in Hinds County. The Hinds County Clerk's office confirmed again today that David Landrum is not, and has never been, registered to vote there.
Landrum's release presented the sign-in sheet for affidavit voters from the 2003 Republican Primary Election, and circled a signature that they claim is that of David Landrum, though it is illegible. Hinds County records of the 2003 Republican Primary election do not contain an affidavit voting envelope for David Landrum.
The release also claims that David Landrum voted in the 2003 General Election, and provides the poll book sign in sheet. The signature the Landrum campaign claims is that of David Landrum is a straight line. However, the 2003 Hinds County Voter Registration book for the November election does not contain the name of David Landrum, Thomas David Landrum, or another combination thereof, so this signature can not be his. He would not have been allowed to sign the poll book if he was not listed as a registered voter.
Even if the Landrum campaign's assertion that David Landrum did attempt to cast a ballot in Hinds County were true, this ballot would have been rejected by the Hinds County Election Commission because he wasn't a registered voter, so no vote would have been cast.
The Landrum campaign has also stated that David Landrum voted in the 2007 Republican Primary in Madison County. The Voter Profile Report furnished by the Madison County Clerk's office on December 7, 2007 shows that is false. The report shows David Landrum's last voted date as November 7, 2000.
Interestingly, the Landrum press release failed to answer the charges that David Landrum did not vote in the following elections:
2001 Special Election (Flag Referendum)
2002 Republican Primary Election
2002 General Election (Pickering vs. Shows Congressional race)
2004 Primary Election
2004 General Election (Bush vs. Kerry Presidential race)
2006 Primary Election
2006 General Election
Landrum's release also failed to honestly answer why a so-called "Conservative Republican" would give liberal Democrat Governor Ronnie Musgrove a $1,000 contribution just two weeks before his election against Haley Barbour – a tried and true conservative leader.
Voters deserve a Congressman with firm convictions and common sense. David Landrum's contribution to Governor Musgrove show that he's willing to waver on his convictions, and his inability to vote for seven years shows a lack of common sense about our democratic process, if not downright apathy for this civic responsibility.
How can David Landrum ask voters to send him to Washington, D.C. to vote for them when he couldn't be bothered to vote himself in elections in Mississippi?"
-30-
For Immediate Release
601.906.2214
FACT CHECK: DESPITE RESPONSE, LANDRUM DID NOT VOTE
The following statement was issued by Danny O'Driscoll, campaign manager for the John Rounsaville campaign:
"The press release issued earlier today by David Landrum's campaign failed to provide the proof they claimed to have that David Landrum voted between November 2000 and November 2007. In fact, Landrum's release misrepresented the two documents that it relied on, further distorting the truth.
Contrary to his campaign's assertions, David Landrum was never registered to vote in Hinds County. The Hinds County Clerk's office confirmed again today that David Landrum is not, and has never been, registered to vote there.
Landrum's release presented the sign-in sheet for affidavit voters from the 2003 Republican Primary Election, and circled a signature that they claim is that of David Landrum, though it is illegible. Hinds County records of the 2003 Republican Primary election do not contain an affidavit voting envelope for David Landrum.
The release also claims that David Landrum voted in the 2003 General Election, and provides the poll book sign in sheet. The signature the Landrum campaign claims is that of David Landrum is a straight line. However, the 2003 Hinds County Voter Registration book for the November election does not contain the name of David Landrum, Thomas David Landrum, or another combination thereof, so this signature can not be his. He would not have been allowed to sign the poll book if he was not listed as a registered voter.
Even if the Landrum campaign's assertion that David Landrum did attempt to cast a ballot in Hinds County were true, this ballot would have been rejected by the Hinds County Election Commission because he wasn't a registered voter, so no vote would have been cast.
The Landrum campaign has also stated that David Landrum voted in the 2007 Republican Primary in Madison County. The Voter Profile Report furnished by the Madison County Clerk's office on December 7, 2007 shows that is false. The report shows David Landrum's last voted date as November 7, 2000.
Interestingly, the Landrum press release failed to answer the charges that David Landrum did not vote in the following elections:
2001 Special Election (Flag Referendum)
2002 Republican Primary Election
2002 General Election (Pickering vs. Shows Congressional race)
2004 Primary Election
2004 General Election (Bush vs. Kerry Presidential race)
2006 Primary Election
2006 General Election
Landrum's release also failed to honestly answer why a so-called "Conservative Republican" would give liberal Democrat Governor Ronnie Musgrove a $1,000 contribution just two weeks before his election against Haley Barbour – a tried and true conservative leader.
Voters deserve a Congressman with firm convictions and common sense. David Landrum's contribution to Governor Musgrove show that he's willing to waver on his convictions, and his inability to vote for seven years shows a lack of common sense about our democratic process, if not downright apathy for this civic responsibility.
How can David Landrum ask voters to send him to Washington, D.C. to vote for them when he couldn't be bothered to vote himself in elections in Mississippi?"
-30-
1st Annual GD Campaign Bday Bash
You’re Invited!!! 1st Annual Greg Davis Campaign Birthday Bash - Live Music provided by Hillbilly County; Food; Face-painting and Fun for the Whole Family
Friday February 22nd
6:00 -7:30pm
Davis Campaign HQ - 310 Stateline RD, Southaven (Old Golden Corral Building)
Suggested Contribution: $50
Please RSVP to info@gregdavisforcongress.com or 662-996-1113
Friday February 22nd
6:00 -7:30pm
Davis Campaign HQ - 310 Stateline RD, Southaven (Old Golden Corral Building)
Suggested Contribution: $50
Please RSVP to info@gregdavisforcongress.com or 662-996-1113
Landrum Responds to Rounsaville
FOR IMMEDITATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 22, 2008
CONTACT: STEVEN CARTER
PHONE: (601) 898-9054
Setting The Record Straight
David Landrum Voted in the 2003 GOP Primary and 2003 General Election, Voter Sign-In Book Proves
MADISON, MISS. - The David Landrum for Congress campaign is releasing documents proving that allegations made by Third District Candidate John Rounsaville at a press conference in Meridian earlier this week were not only false but reckless and disingenuous.
The campaign took this unusual step today to respond to the attacks after several media outlets reported the false allegations.
"The truth was a casualty earlier this week, and it is time to set the record straight," said Neil Forbes, campaign manager for the David Landrum campaign. "David not only voted in these elections but participated in the political process by volunteering his time and resources to Gov. Haley Barbour's transition team in 2003 and other important community service during this period."
After a recent move to Hinds County, David Landrum registered to vote and then voted by affidavit in the City of Jackson for both the 2003 GOP Primary and the 2003 General Election. The signatures copied from the actual voter-sign in books prove that David and his wife Jill voted in both of these elections.
During the 2003 election cycle, David Landrum lived in Jackson where he voted in District 1, Precinct 78, in the GOP Primary and the General Election. During the 2007 election cycle, David Landrum lived in Madison County and voted in the 2007 GOP Primary and the General Election.
"Any statement to the contrary about David's voting record is a personal, misleading attack. The 2007 Lt. Governor's GOP Primary proved that voters are tired of politicians who will say and do anything in an attempt to win an election," Forbes said. "David Landrum has always been open, honest, and forthright about his beliefs, his stances on the issues, and his ability to use his business experience to help bring jobs to Mississippi, and his service to our country as an Army Veteran," Forbes said.
David will continue to travel the district meeting with Mississippians, listening to what concerns Third District residents have and talking about issues that are important to Mississippi and the country, Forbes said.
"This campaign will not turn into a mudslinging contest like that of 2007. Mississippi voters deserve better," Forbes said.
###
FEBRUARY 22, 2008
CONTACT: STEVEN CARTER
PHONE: (601) 898-9054
Setting The Record Straight
David Landrum Voted in the 2003 GOP Primary and 2003 General Election, Voter Sign-In Book Proves
MADISON, MISS. - The David Landrum for Congress campaign is releasing documents proving that allegations made by Third District Candidate John Rounsaville at a press conference in Meridian earlier this week were not only false but reckless and disingenuous.
The campaign took this unusual step today to respond to the attacks after several media outlets reported the false allegations.
"The truth was a casualty earlier this week, and it is time to set the record straight," said Neil Forbes, campaign manager for the David Landrum campaign. "David not only voted in these elections but participated in the political process by volunteering his time and resources to Gov. Haley Barbour's transition team in 2003 and other important community service during this period."
After a recent move to Hinds County, David Landrum registered to vote and then voted by affidavit in the City of Jackson for both the 2003 GOP Primary and the 2003 General Election. The signatures copied from the actual voter-sign in books prove that David and his wife Jill voted in both of these elections.
During the 2003 election cycle, David Landrum lived in Jackson where he voted in District 1, Precinct 78, in the GOP Primary and the General Election. During the 2007 election cycle, David Landrum lived in Madison County and voted in the 2007 GOP Primary and the General Election.
"Any statement to the contrary about David's voting record is a personal, misleading attack. The 2007 Lt. Governor's GOP Primary proved that voters are tired of politicians who will say and do anything in an attempt to win an election," Forbes said. "David Landrum has always been open, honest, and forthright about his beliefs, his stances on the issues, and his ability to use his business experience to help bring jobs to Mississippi, and his service to our country as an Army Veteran," Forbes said.
David will continue to travel the district meeting with Mississippians, listening to what concerns Third District residents have and talking about issues that are important to Mississippi and the country, Forbes said.
"This campaign will not turn into a mudslinging contest like that of 2007. Mississippi voters deserve better," Forbes said.
###
Hurt for Coleman
Daily Journal - Hurt says he supports Coleman - Former Democratic congressional candidate Ken Hurt on Thursday announced his endorsement of fellow party hopeful Marshall Coleman. Hurt, who last week suspended his campaign for U.S. House 1st Congressional District, said he and Coleman agree on the major issues dominating the race. He also said the Calhoun City business owner truly cares about the people. Hurt, of Verona, also will provide free political consulting and strategic advice to the 49-year-old candidate. Coleman's campaign manager, Dameion Brown, said Hurt's support will give his boss a competitive edge in the race against three other Democrats and three Republicans.
Landrum Exceeds FEC Self-Contribution Limit, Triggers Millionaire Amendment
The Bicameral Campaign Finance Reform Act (McCain-Feingold) includes a "millionaire's amendment." This is a threashold for candidates who use their personal wealth to fund their campaigns more than challengers are allowed to raise and compete. In federal campaigns, individuals are limited to contributing $2300 per cycle per race (the primary and general are considered seperate races but you can't spend general money during the primary cycle). But when a House candidate self-funds his campaign and exceeds the $350,000 limit, then he triggers an allowance for his opponents' contibution limits to triple ($6,900 per election for 2007-08).
David Landrum has reported to the FEC that he has now put $410,000 into his race for Congress. His opponents can now go back to those individuals who have maxed out to them previously.
(Thanks for the email tip, reader.)
David Landrum has reported to the FEC that he has now put $410,000 into his race for Congress. His opponents can now go back to those individuals who have maxed out to them previously.
(Thanks for the email tip, reader.)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Post Meridian
As David Landrum and John Rounsaville are the two candidates from Madison County, and Rounsaville currently is criticizing Landrum on his lack of voting, it should be noted that Jim Prince's "At the Catfish Opry" Editorial appears today in the Madison County Journal. Furthermore, the posters at Y'all Politics are having a field day over the Landrum no-vote controversy with over a hundred comments on the topic: Rounsaville takes shots at Landrum.
CottonMouth writes on the Landrum No-Vote Controversy, "I wouldn't vote for a Democrat who hadn't taken the effort to vote in recent elections and I suspect many Republicans will feel the same way."
WTOK - Congressional Candidates Debate in Meridian - WTOK-TV streamed the debate live on wtok.com and will broadcast it Thursday on our sister station, FOX Meridian.
The Meridian Star - MSU-Meridian debate highlights - Candidates spoke on various issues, from obesity to immigration, on many of which they expressed similar, though not identical views. Ross said that he would "wholeheartedly support the (Lauderdale County industrial park interchange) project," because, "It's a proper role for government to build transportation and infrastructure," adding that inadequate roads could put a halt to progress in economic development.
Harper spoke on the role of education in economic development, saying that, "It seems that the No Child Left Behind Act may not be the best solution to our problems," because it "leaves teachers spending the bulk of their time" on standardized testing. But the main idea he expressed on educational change was centered on community colleges, which he said he feels ought to be designed around workforce development. Without proper workforce development, he said, there will not be proper economic development.
Rounsaville praised the district's former, late U.S Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, and said, when asked, that he would do all he could to support Mississippi State University in both Starkville and Meridian, and that he felt the college was special because of its engineering program. "Engineering is the wave of the future," he said, "as we expand into a more high-tech industry."
Landrum was asked a question on a subject many were curious to hear the answer to. After being previously accused by Rounsaville during a press conference Wednesday of failing to vote at all between the year of 2000 and 2007, Landrum was asked to clarify his voting record. He replied that the Madison County records showed his last voting date as November 2000 because he and his wife had "voted affidavit in Hinds County" as a result of clerical errors, and that they were later informed those clerical errors had caused their votes not to be counted.
Harper was asked about health care issues, to which he replied that though, "(Health care) costs are staggering," he is "absolutely opposed" to nationalized heatlh care because "it would devastate our healthcare facilities."
Rounsaville spoke on the issue of earmarking, saying that he was not completely opposed to it, but that he felt before making earmarks a Congressman would have to determine whether it was "pure pork" or for the public good.
Moderator Sid Salter took advantage of the opportunity to ask a question of all seven conservative, Republican candidates at once that many have been wondering: "What makes you the best Republican candidate in the race?"
Here are summaries of their answers:
• John Rounsaville said that though all the Republican candidates were similar on issues and values, he felt that his experience working under Chip Pickering and Haley Barbour gave him an edge.
• Charlie Ross pointed to his experience in the State Legislature, saying: "My difference is my record of performance in the Legislature," and listed bills he had a part in creating and endorsements he had received.
• David Landrum told that audience: "Everything I've ever done has prepared me for what I'm doing now," and added that his business experience as founder of the financial company Primerica gave him a good understanding of economic development.
• Gregg Harper asked the audience: "In your heart of hearts, who do you really want representing you in congress?" Adding, "Go with your gut." He also mentioned that he stood out from the other candidates as "the only one to support personal retirement accounts for young people," and as the father of a special needs child who was devoted to giving "those families that are raising special needs children hope."
• Greg Hatcher said that he was a no strings attached candidate with no favors to repay and that he was "someone that voters can talk to and who will listen."
• Bill Marcy said: "I'm a conservative's conservative. Atilla the Hun is a nice guy as far as I'm concerned when it comes to military."
• James Broadwater said of his fellow candidates: "We are certainly all Republicans, but we are definitely not all the same," and said that he stood out by supporting amendments to the Constitution, which would ban abortion and gay marriage. He wants to abolish the IRS, and said he wants to remove illegal aliens in this country and replace them with "persecuted Christians" in foreign countries.
CottonMouth writes on the Landrum No-Vote Controversy, "I wouldn't vote for a Democrat who hadn't taken the effort to vote in recent elections and I suspect many Republicans will feel the same way."
WTOK - Congressional Candidates Debate in Meridian - WTOK-TV streamed the debate live on wtok.com and will broadcast it Thursday on our sister station, FOX Meridian.
The Meridian Star - MSU-Meridian debate highlights - Candidates spoke on various issues, from obesity to immigration, on many of which they expressed similar, though not identical views. Ross said that he would "wholeheartedly support the (Lauderdale County industrial park interchange) project," because, "It's a proper role for government to build transportation and infrastructure," adding that inadequate roads could put a halt to progress in economic development.
Harper spoke on the role of education in economic development, saying that, "It seems that the No Child Left Behind Act may not be the best solution to our problems," because it "leaves teachers spending the bulk of their time" on standardized testing. But the main idea he expressed on educational change was centered on community colleges, which he said he feels ought to be designed around workforce development. Without proper workforce development, he said, there will not be proper economic development.
Rounsaville praised the district's former, late U.S Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, and said, when asked, that he would do all he could to support Mississippi State University in both Starkville and Meridian, and that he felt the college was special because of its engineering program. "Engineering is the wave of the future," he said, "as we expand into a more high-tech industry."
Landrum was asked a question on a subject many were curious to hear the answer to. After being previously accused by Rounsaville during a press conference Wednesday of failing to vote at all between the year of 2000 and 2007, Landrum was asked to clarify his voting record. He replied that the Madison County records showed his last voting date as November 2000 because he and his wife had "voted affidavit in Hinds County" as a result of clerical errors, and that they were later informed those clerical errors had caused their votes not to be counted.
Harper was asked about health care issues, to which he replied that though, "(Health care) costs are staggering," he is "absolutely opposed" to nationalized heatlh care because "it would devastate our healthcare facilities."
Rounsaville spoke on the issue of earmarking, saying that he was not completely opposed to it, but that he felt before making earmarks a Congressman would have to determine whether it was "pure pork" or for the public good.
Moderator Sid Salter took advantage of the opportunity to ask a question of all seven conservative, Republican candidates at once that many have been wondering: "What makes you the best Republican candidate in the race?"
Here are summaries of their answers:
• John Rounsaville said that though all the Republican candidates were similar on issues and values, he felt that his experience working under Chip Pickering and Haley Barbour gave him an edge.
• Charlie Ross pointed to his experience in the State Legislature, saying: "My difference is my record of performance in the Legislature," and listed bills he had a part in creating and endorsements he had received.
• David Landrum told that audience: "Everything I've ever done has prepared me for what I'm doing now," and added that his business experience as founder of the financial company Primerica gave him a good understanding of economic development.
• Gregg Harper asked the audience: "In your heart of hearts, who do you really want representing you in congress?" Adding, "Go with your gut." He also mentioned that he stood out from the other candidates as "the only one to support personal retirement accounts for young people," and as the father of a special needs child who was devoted to giving "those families that are raising special needs children hope."
• Greg Hatcher said that he was a no strings attached candidate with no favors to repay and that he was "someone that voters can talk to and who will listen."
• Bill Marcy said: "I'm a conservative's conservative. Atilla the Hun is a nice guy as far as I'm concerned when it comes to military."
• James Broadwater said of his fellow candidates: "We are certainly all Republicans, but we are definitely not all the same," and said that he stood out by supporting amendments to the Constitution, which would ban abortion and gay marriage. He wants to abolish the IRS, and said he wants to remove illegal aliens in this country and replace them with "persecuted Christians" in foreign countries.
Special Election April 22
We assume that all the candidates seeking this race during the regular election (March 11 Primary; November 4 General) will qualify for the special election, but we expect the Republicans and Democrats who do not win their party's nomination will drop out of the special after the primary. But maybe not, it could get interesting.
Clarion Ledger - Special election set for Wicker's old seat - A special election to fill the unexpired term of former U.S. Rep. and current U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker in Mississippi's First Congressional District has been set for April 22, according to a news release from Gov. Haley Barbour's office. In a Writ of Election filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State, Barbour said if a runoff is required, it would be held on May 13, 2008. He designated March 7, 2008, as the qualifying deadline for candidates in the special U.S. House election.
Commercial Dispatch - Barbour sets special election timetable
CQpolitics - Multiple Mississippi Election Dates Hard to Keep Straight
Clarion Ledger - Special election set for Wicker's old seat - A special election to fill the unexpired term of former U.S. Rep. and current U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker in Mississippi's First Congressional District has been set for April 22, according to a news release from Gov. Haley Barbour's office. In a Writ of Election filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State, Barbour said if a runoff is required, it would be held on May 13, 2008. He designated March 7, 2008, as the qualifying deadline for candidates in the special U.S. House election.
Commercial Dispatch - Barbour sets special election timetable
CQpolitics - Multiple Mississippi Election Dates Hard to Keep Straight
Trio for McCullough
Daily Journal - Trio endorses McCullough - Glenn McCullough Jr., a Republican candidate for 1st District Congress, was endorsed this week by three current and former Golden Triangle area officials - state Sen. Terry Brown and state Rep. Gary Chism of Columbus, and former West Point Mayor Kenny Dill.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Neshoba County Democrat on Landrum's Vote Record
Neshoba County Democrat - Jim Prince, Editor & Publisher - At the Catfish Opry - The event with Republican candidates Gregg Harper, Charlie Ross, David Landrum and John Rounsaville focused almost predictably on illegal immigration, the Iraq war and the economy. Harper and Rounsaville were the most impressive. Rounsaville, a former aide to Pickering as well as Barbour, clearly has the best grasp of policy and would hit the ground running in Washington. Harper is a conservative's conservative.
Scott Boyd, the editor and publisher of The Beacon in Macon and one of three panelists, asked who Landrum voted for in the 2003 gubernatorial election since he gave money to Musgrove, drawing laughter from the audience.
"Well, my vote is for Gov. Barbour," Landrum told the crowd. He never said, "I voted for Gov. Barbour," and that raises a question in the minds of some.
Records at the Madison County Courthouse show that Landrum voted most recently in the Nov. 6 general election. Prior to that, records indicate the last time Landrum voted was in November 2000. Madison County Circuit Clerk Lee Westbrook said, however, there's no guarantee that Landrum didn't vote between that time because records may not have been entered accurately.
Neil Forbes, Landrum's campaign manager, said on Monday that Landrum and his wife moved back to Hinds County in 2002, and in 2003, Landrum and his wife thought they had registered to vote, but an error occurred in the registration process and their affidavit ballots in November did not end up counting because they were not on the rolls. Forbes said that Landrum has voted in other elections between 2000 and 2007 in Madison County, but has been unable to locate records.
Landrum acknowledged making the Musgrove donation at the request of friends and business associates interested in tort reform. Of course Musgrove's tort reform was enacted in 2003, but that special session was in 2002.
Landrum suggested Boyd's line of questioning was a distortion of the facts, noting that "my friend Phil Bryant" ran a "contentious" primary campaign for lieutenant governor.
Boyd's questioning was not out of line.
A person who has potentially not voted in a decade does not deserve to be near the United States House of Representatives.
Men and women have died and are dying to protect that freedom and that's something I can get fighting mad over since two of our own soldiers came back from the Iraq war in flag-draped coffins.
And that does not even begin to touch on the liberation of Europe and all those souls that rest in peace, among other places, at the Normandy American Cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach, as well as those veterans who came home maimed and disfigured and have never so much as complained.
Interestingly, Westbrook, the Madison County clerk, said a newspaper reporter was about the ninth person to call and ask about Landrum's voting record, including a woman she believed to be impersonating a 14-year-old girl, who said she was doing a "school project."
Scott Boyd, the editor and publisher of The Beacon in Macon and one of three panelists, asked who Landrum voted for in the 2003 gubernatorial election since he gave money to Musgrove, drawing laughter from the audience.
"Well, my vote is for Gov. Barbour," Landrum told the crowd. He never said, "I voted for Gov. Barbour," and that raises a question in the minds of some.
Records at the Madison County Courthouse show that Landrum voted most recently in the Nov. 6 general election. Prior to that, records indicate the last time Landrum voted was in November 2000. Madison County Circuit Clerk Lee Westbrook said, however, there's no guarantee that Landrum didn't vote between that time because records may not have been entered accurately.
Neil Forbes, Landrum's campaign manager, said on Monday that Landrum and his wife moved back to Hinds County in 2002, and in 2003, Landrum and his wife thought they had registered to vote, but an error occurred in the registration process and their affidavit ballots in November did not end up counting because they were not on the rolls. Forbes said that Landrum has voted in other elections between 2000 and 2007 in Madison County, but has been unable to locate records.
Landrum acknowledged making the Musgrove donation at the request of friends and business associates interested in tort reform. Of course Musgrove's tort reform was enacted in 2003, but that special session was in 2002.
Landrum suggested Boyd's line of questioning was a distortion of the facts, noting that "my friend Phil Bryant" ran a "contentious" primary campaign for lieutenant governor.
Boyd's questioning was not out of line.
A person who has potentially not voted in a decade does not deserve to be near the United States House of Representatives.
Men and women have died and are dying to protect that freedom and that's something I can get fighting mad over since two of our own soldiers came back from the Iraq war in flag-draped coffins.
And that does not even begin to touch on the liberation of Europe and all those souls that rest in peace, among other places, at the Normandy American Cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach, as well as those veterans who came home maimed and disfigured and have never so much as complained.
Interestingly, Westbrook, the Madison County clerk, said a newspaper reporter was about the ninth person to call and ask about Landrum's voting record, including a woman she believed to be impersonating a 14-year-old girl, who said she was doing a "school project."
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