Friday Digest: Thompson and Security; Campaign News

Bennie Thompson writes in The Hill that steps must be taken to protect chemical plants from terrorist attacks. But Bill Allmond, vice president of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates, argues that Thompson's approach is wrong.

However, DHS’s mandate is to secure the assets at these facilities, not substitute or replace them, as the congressman suggests. If proponents for government-mandated product substitution get their way, a shortage or elimination of common products, like ibuprofen, could become reality.

Meanwhile Respond Mississippi praises a recent article by Thompson calling for protection of the nation's electrical grid.

Thompson is also concerned over the nation's preparations in H1N1 cases.

The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday said health authorities were underprepared for the increase in H1NI cases.

Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) also said federal agencies would be in bad shape if a mutated strain of H1N1 developed or if the nation faced another public health crisis while dealing with the so-called swine flu.

“If this virus mutates or something else comes along, how is the vehicle to get us going in a manner any different than what we did with H1N1?” Thompson said in an interview.

The Desoto Times predicts "DeSoto a major player in Childers, Nunnelee race." The Picayune Item reports on a visit by Gene Taylor's opponent, "Tegerdine makes whistle stop in Picayune to kick off his congressional campaign against Taylor." And Charlie Mitchell writes about the power of the incumbency, "Congress has evolved so that most seats are safe."

Gregg Harper continues his opposition to the Democratic health care plan.