Tegerdine to challenge Gene Taylor

Laurel Leader Call - Tegerdine plans to run against Taylor

Some 14 months before the 2010 elections, Petal businessman Joe Tegerdine is already hot on the campaign trail. Tegerdine, who is challenging for Gene Taylor’s 4th District U.S. Congress seat next fall, spoke to the Jones County Republican Women Wednesday at Western Sizzlin.

Tegerdine said he was inspired to run after attending a town hall meeting in April that was hosted by Taylor.

“We don’t have the luxury of apathy,” he said. “We need someone with more than name recognition, a pretty face and nice hair. We need someone who will go up there and fight. That’s representation that I feel you deserve and I want.”

Tegerdine, who admitted to being “almost 35,” said he believes he has a better chance than predecessors in defeating Taylor because is working hard to unite the conservative vote.

“Environmentally, the atmosphere is also a lot different than in past elections,” he said. “We don’t need the coast to get elected, but everyone from Clark County to the coast is excited. The Republican party will return if its leaders sit squarely on the conservative platform.”