Commercial Appeal - 'Every vote counts' to Davis - Southaven Mayor Greg Davis captured nearly 71 percent of DeSoto County's Republican vote in the March 11 primary for the state's 1st District House seat, but that didn't stop him from canvassing his home county hard on the first day of spring last week. "Every vote counts," Davis, who actually got 70.9 percent, said at the Forever Young Seniors monthly luncheon in Southaven, where he was the guest speaker. "We're hitting all areas of the district, no matter how many votes came out of the primary."
Davis, 42, knows it's important to not take any vote for granted in what is likely an uphill battle to defeat former Tupelo mayor and Tennessee Valley Authority chairman Glenn McCullough, 53, in an April 1 runoff for the Republican nomination. Despite Davis' commanding DeSoto County lead over McCullough and a third Republican candidate in the primary, Davis finished second districtwide on March 11. He finished with about 37 percent of the vote, compared to about 39 percent for McCullough. Further complicating things for Davis is the fact that the third candidate in the primary, Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford, has thrown his support to McCullough. Russell received about 24 percent of the vote.
McCullough has positioned himself as the "true conservative" candidate, a strategy that seemed to hit home and help him gain momentum in the sprawling district that covers much of northeast Mississippi. "Glenn's campaign has the momentum because of his values and his stance on taxes," Brad Davis, McCullough's campaign manager and no relation to Greg Davis, said in a statement.
Greg Davis said he isn't deterred, however, because he's confident in the voters and their ability to decide for themselves. That's why, over the past two weeks, Davis has put 4,000 miles on his Pontiac. In one day, he went to four events, crisscrossing DeSoto County. He also debated McCullough in Aberdeen on Thursday night, and he rallied 100 volunteers in Corinth in Alcorn County Friday before attending an Ole Miss baseball game in Oxford on Saturday night. "I've been to all the counties in the district," Davis said.
Another factor that could work to Davis' disadvantage was the large crossover vote in the primary, in which many DeSoto County voters who might have supported his candidacy chose to vote in the Democratic primary instead so that they could vote in the hotly contested presidential race between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The problem for Davis is that those who crossed over cannot now cross back to support him in the runoff. That's a fact that many potential voters told Davis they did not realize when they voted Democratic. "The crossover voting is a huge issue," Davis acknowledged, but he said he's not disillusioned by it. Instead, Davis told the more than 100 seniors gathered at the Tennis Center that his campaign is now after those who didn't vote at all in the primary. He estimated that some 20,000 voters in the county didn't turn out.
Davis also received a boost last week from Trent Lott, the former senator whose December retirement announcement set in motion the moves that opened up the House seat. Lott endorsed Davis by donating $8,000 to his campaign. "Over the course of the 18 years I have served in public office, I had the distinct privilege of working alongside Sen. Lott on many projects important to our District," Davis said, "and his support of my campaign is a sign of good things to come."
Showing posts with label Randy Russell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Randy Russell. Show all posts
Monday, March 24, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Roll Call: Runoffs Loom
Roll Call - Magnolia State Runoffs Loom - Don’t expect as much excitement out of Mississippi’s 1st and 3rd district general elections as there has been in the primaries. Unofficial results gave former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough (R) 39 percent and Southhaven Mayor Greg Davis (R) 37 percent.
While a Public Opinion Strategies poll conducted in late February for Davis’ campaign gave Davis an 18-point lead, McCullough appeared to come on strong in the last two weeks. Not only was he able to rally his Tupelo base — which was also Wicker’s base during his seven House terms — but Tuesday’s vote showed that he beat Davis in 18 of 24 counties in the district. He also outraised Davis over the last 10 days of the campaign, according to Federal Election Commission reports.
But the real surprise of the 1st district race was the third candidate, ophthalmologist Randy Russell (R), who picked up 24 percent of the vote despite being picked by many state insiders to finish in the single digits. Russell’s unexpectedly strong showing was funded in large part by the $145,000 of his own money. By Wednesday afternoon, media reports indicated that Russell was preparing to throw his support behind McCullough in the runoff. The move would be another blow to Davis’ campaign, though far from a knockout punch.
According to county results posted in the Clarion Ledger newspaper, Davis had a strong showing in DeSoto County, the district’s largest GOP stronghold. More than half of Davis’ 16,161 votes came from DeSoto, while McCullough was only able to pick up 1,856 in the county and Russell took 1,656 there. And by all accounts, the DeSoto turnout was lower than expected. If Davis can energize his DeSoto base, and pick up the voters in the county that went to Russell, he will put himself in a very good position in the runoff despite Russell’s support of McCullough.
The Democratic primary in the 1st district also ended in a runoff between Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers, who took 42 percent, and state Rep. Steve Holland, who took 31 percent. Both would face an uphill challenge in a general election in a district that President Bush carried with 62 percent in his 2004 reelection campaign. But state Democrats were encouraged by the fact that more than twice as many people voted in the Democratic primary than in the Republican contest. Indeed, Childers’ nearly 40,000 votes was close to the total number of votes that were cast in the Republican primary.
While a Public Opinion Strategies poll conducted in late February for Davis’ campaign gave Davis an 18-point lead, McCullough appeared to come on strong in the last two weeks. Not only was he able to rally his Tupelo base — which was also Wicker’s base during his seven House terms — but Tuesday’s vote showed that he beat Davis in 18 of 24 counties in the district. He also outraised Davis over the last 10 days of the campaign, according to Federal Election Commission reports.
But the real surprise of the 1st district race was the third candidate, ophthalmologist Randy Russell (R), who picked up 24 percent of the vote despite being picked by many state insiders to finish in the single digits. Russell’s unexpectedly strong showing was funded in large part by the $145,000 of his own money. By Wednesday afternoon, media reports indicated that Russell was preparing to throw his support behind McCullough in the runoff. The move would be another blow to Davis’ campaign, though far from a knockout punch.
According to county results posted in the Clarion Ledger newspaper, Davis had a strong showing in DeSoto County, the district’s largest GOP stronghold. More than half of Davis’ 16,161 votes came from DeSoto, while McCullough was only able to pick up 1,856 in the county and Russell took 1,656 there. And by all accounts, the DeSoto turnout was lower than expected. If Davis can energize his DeSoto base, and pick up the voters in the county that went to Russell, he will put himself in a very good position in the runoff despite Russell’s support of McCullough.
The Democratic primary in the 1st district also ended in a runoff between Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers, who took 42 percent, and state Rep. Steve Holland, who took 31 percent. Both would face an uphill challenge in a general election in a district that President Bush carried with 62 percent in his 2004 reelection campaign. But state Democrats were encouraged by the fact that more than twice as many people voted in the Democratic primary than in the Republican contest. Indeed, Childers’ nearly 40,000 votes was close to the total number of votes that were cast in the Republican primary.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
DeSoto Crossover
Commercial Appeal - Crossover voting in Tuesday's primary elections figured prominently in the races for the 1st District congressional seat -- in both parties. Undoubtedly, that was a factor in DeSoto County. "It cost us several hundred votes, yes," said Chris Wilson, chairman of the DeSoto County Republican Party Executive Committee, who was working hard for the Davis campaign.
Samuel Williams, DeSoto County chairman for the Democratic Party, said the crossovers "gave us a bunch of votes. It could have been several thousand. "I believe we got more Democratic Party votes (Tuesday) than for any race here I can remember, certainly more than for any primary."
With the runoff just three weeks away, Davis, 42, and McCullough, 53, were both back on the campaign trail Wednesday. "We're out knocking on doors and making phone calls and thanking all the folks for their support," Davis said.
Meanwhile, Russell, 54, was preparing to endorse McCullough in the runoff race. Today, at a press conference at the Hampton Inn in Oxford, Russell said he plans to announce his support for McCullough. "Glenn shares our same political philosophy," Russell said. Davis responded, "Dr. Russell has the right to support whoever he wants. I just think the voters of the 1st District are smart enough to make up their own minds."
Crossover voting may have occurred in other counties of the district, but no county would have had the number of crossover votes that DeSoto had. Impact? Davis was getting a steady 70 percent of the vote in the Republican Party primary in DeSoto County. If 3,000 Republicans crossed over, the likely loss to Davis in the county would have been about 2,100 votes -- enough to put him ahead of McCullough, but not enough to avoid a runoff.
Samuel Williams, DeSoto County chairman for the Democratic Party, said the crossovers "gave us a bunch of votes. It could have been several thousand. "I believe we got more Democratic Party votes (Tuesday) than for any race here I can remember, certainly more than for any primary."
With the runoff just three weeks away, Davis, 42, and McCullough, 53, were both back on the campaign trail Wednesday. "We're out knocking on doors and making phone calls and thanking all the folks for their support," Davis said.
Meanwhile, Russell, 54, was preparing to endorse McCullough in the runoff race. Today, at a press conference at the Hampton Inn in Oxford, Russell said he plans to announce his support for McCullough. "Glenn shares our same political philosophy," Russell said. Davis responded, "Dr. Russell has the right to support whoever he wants. I just think the voters of the 1st District are smart enough to make up their own minds."
Crossover voting may have occurred in other counties of the district, but no county would have had the number of crossover votes that DeSoto had. Impact? Davis was getting a steady 70 percent of the vote in the Republican Party primary in DeSoto County. If 3,000 Republicans crossed over, the likely loss to Davis in the county would have been about 2,100 votes -- enough to put him ahead of McCullough, but not enough to avoid a runoff.
Russell Endorses McCullough
Daily Journal - Russell to endorse McCullough - Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford, who pulled in 24 percent of Tuesday's Republican vote for 1st District Congress, said he will endorse the race frontrunner, former Tupelo Mayor Glenn L. McCullough Jr. "He is the closest to us in political philosophy," Russell said in a telephone conversation.
Rothenberg Political Report - Mississippi 1: Russell Expected to Endorse McCullough - McCullough edged out Davis 39%-37% in Tuesday's initial balloting, with Dr. Randy Russell finishing third with 24%. Now, Russell is likely to endorse McCullough.
Daily Journal - McCullough moves into runoff with Russell's support - Former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough's quest to win the 1st District congressional seat got a big boost Wednesday when the third-place finisher, Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford, gave him his endorsement in the April 1 Republican runoff. Russell ran a strong race with 24 percent in Tuesday's primary across the district, which includes 23 north Mississippi counties and one precinct in another. McCullough led the ticket with 39 percent and is in the runoff with Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, who received 37 percent. "We believe he is the closest to us in political philosophy," Russell said in a Wednesday afternoon phone interview with the Daily Journal. He said news conferences are set today districtwide to publicize his endorsement.
The Oxford ophthalmologist has been a conservative activist throughout his long career in the Jackson area and now Lafayette County. He acknowledged he was outflanked and outspent Tuesday, but said he was proud his campaign had gone from 4 percent support two weeks ago to 24 percent by election day. "I thought it was a very good showing," he said.
A McCullough aide said he had no immediate comment on the Russell endorsement, but will do so today at a 3 p.m. news conference in Oxford.
Davis aide Ted Prill, when asked about the Russell endorsement, said, "Every vote in the race is important. We respect Dr. Russell's decision." The Davis camp countered with news of an endorsement from Mississippi Right to Life that they said will be formally announced today.
Rothenberg Political Report - Mississippi 1: Russell Expected to Endorse McCullough - McCullough edged out Davis 39%-37% in Tuesday's initial balloting, with Dr. Randy Russell finishing third with 24%. Now, Russell is likely to endorse McCullough.
Daily Journal - McCullough moves into runoff with Russell's support - Former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough's quest to win the 1st District congressional seat got a big boost Wednesday when the third-place finisher, Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford, gave him his endorsement in the April 1 Republican runoff. Russell ran a strong race with 24 percent in Tuesday's primary across the district, which includes 23 north Mississippi counties and one precinct in another. McCullough led the ticket with 39 percent and is in the runoff with Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, who received 37 percent. "We believe he is the closest to us in political philosophy," Russell said in a Wednesday afternoon phone interview with the Daily Journal. He said news conferences are set today districtwide to publicize his endorsement.
The Oxford ophthalmologist has been a conservative activist throughout his long career in the Jackson area and now Lafayette County. He acknowledged he was outflanked and outspent Tuesday, but said he was proud his campaign had gone from 4 percent support two weeks ago to 24 percent by election day. "I thought it was a very good showing," he said.
A McCullough aide said he had no immediate comment on the Russell endorsement, but will do so today at a 3 p.m. news conference in Oxford.
Davis aide Ted Prill, when asked about the Russell endorsement, said, "Every vote in the race is important. We respect Dr. Russell's decision." The Davis camp countered with news of an endorsement from Mississippi Right to Life that they said will be formally announced today.
Monday, March 10, 2008
CQ on Mississippi 1
CQpolitics - Mississippi Primary to Fix GOP Favorites for Open House Seats - The one thing that appears nearly certain is that the strong grip that the Republican Party has long held on this district will continue through both of this year’s contests. CQ Politics rates the 1st District as Safe Republican.
Glenn L. McCullough Jr. is perhaps the best-connected Republican candidate in the race. He is a former mayor of Tupelo, which with about 34,000 residents is the largest city in this heavily rural district, and also a former Tennessee Valley Authority chairman. But McCullough faces strong primary competition from both Greg Davis — the mayor of Southaven, home to about 29,000 residents who make it the 1st District’s second-largest city — and Randy Russell, an ophthalmologist.
The Clarion-Ledger newspaper in Jackson gave its Republican primary endorsement to McCullough over the past weekend, stating that he “possesses the best overall qualifications among the Republican contenders to represent the diverse interests of the district on Capitol Hill.”
But the campaign has been rugged, with McCullough and Davis launching attacks at each other in their television ads. McCullough ran an ad stating that Davis “doesn’t know where he stands,” charging that Davis “refused to run as a Republican” in the past, increased spending, and altogether, is not a true conservative. “Now Davis says he’ll be conservative? Come on,” the voice-over charged in the commercial.
Davis responded with his own ad labeling McCullough’s “attacks” as “shameful.” But Davis hit out at McCullough in the same ad, aligning him with Democrats by noting that President Bill Clinton first appointed McCullough to serve on the TVA board. Davis accused McCullough of living lavishly while in his TVA post while laying off workers and increasing electric costs. “Glen McCullough should be ashamed,” the ad concluded.
Davis, McCullough and Russell, who entered the race with less name ID than the others, are all competing for conservative support, championing their commitment to local job growth, low taxes, strengthening national security and opposing abortion, among other positions.
The district includes many agricultural areas. Tupelo is a major producer of upholstered furniture. Manufacturing supports many workers and families in the Columbus area. DeSoto County, which contains Davis’ city of Southaven, is the district’s most populous and the state’s fastest growing county, owing in part to residents who commute over the Tennessee border to metropolitan Memphis.
Pursuing the Democratic nomination are state Rep. Steve Holland, who has the primary endorsement of the Clarion-Ledger; Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis W. Childers; lawyer Brian Neely; and Calhoun Alderman Marshall W. Coleman are seeking the party’s nomination in Tuesday’s primary. Political consultant James K. “Ken” Hurt, who took 34 percent against Wicker as the party’s unsuccessful 2006 nominee, filed to run and his name appears on the ballot, but he quit the race last month and endorsed Coleman.
Glenn L. McCullough Jr. is perhaps the best-connected Republican candidate in the race. He is a former mayor of Tupelo, which with about 34,000 residents is the largest city in this heavily rural district, and also a former Tennessee Valley Authority chairman. But McCullough faces strong primary competition from both Greg Davis — the mayor of Southaven, home to about 29,000 residents who make it the 1st District’s second-largest city — and Randy Russell, an ophthalmologist.
The Clarion-Ledger newspaper in Jackson gave its Republican primary endorsement to McCullough over the past weekend, stating that he “possesses the best overall qualifications among the Republican contenders to represent the diverse interests of the district on Capitol Hill.”
But the campaign has been rugged, with McCullough and Davis launching attacks at each other in their television ads. McCullough ran an ad stating that Davis “doesn’t know where he stands,” charging that Davis “refused to run as a Republican” in the past, increased spending, and altogether, is not a true conservative. “Now Davis says he’ll be conservative? Come on,” the voice-over charged in the commercial.
Davis responded with his own ad labeling McCullough’s “attacks” as “shameful.” But Davis hit out at McCullough in the same ad, aligning him with Democrats by noting that President Bill Clinton first appointed McCullough to serve on the TVA board. Davis accused McCullough of living lavishly while in his TVA post while laying off workers and increasing electric costs. “Glen McCullough should be ashamed,” the ad concluded.
Davis, McCullough and Russell, who entered the race with less name ID than the others, are all competing for conservative support, championing their commitment to local job growth, low taxes, strengthening national security and opposing abortion, among other positions.
The district includes many agricultural areas. Tupelo is a major producer of upholstered furniture. Manufacturing supports many workers and families in the Columbus area. DeSoto County, which contains Davis’ city of Southaven, is the district’s most populous and the state’s fastest growing county, owing in part to residents who commute over the Tennessee border to metropolitan Memphis.
Pursuing the Democratic nomination are state Rep. Steve Holland, who has the primary endorsement of the Clarion-Ledger; Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis W. Childers; lawyer Brian Neely; and Calhoun Alderman Marshall W. Coleman are seeking the party’s nomination in Tuesday’s primary. Political consultant James K. “Ken” Hurt, who took 34 percent against Wicker as the party’s unsuccessful 2006 nominee, filed to run and his name appears on the ballot, but he quit the race last month and endorsed Coleman.
Latest in Fundraising
Daily Journal - New Contributions Reported to FEC - Candidates for the 1st District House seat have reported additional contributions since a filing deadline about a week ago.
Three Republicans and five Democrats will face off in party primaries Tuesday.
All three Republicans reported new contributions:
- Southaven Mayor Greg Davis - $29,200
Top new contributors: $5,000 - BancorpSouth PAC; $2,300 - Meredith McCullar, McCullar Realty, Memphis; Lisa Beene, Great River Beverage, Southaven; William Posey, Greysone, Covington, Tenn.; Gayle Posey, housewife, Covington, Tenn.; James M. Harris III of Oxford; Robert Newman, Newmann-Tillman developer, Memphis; David Rozier of Oxford.
- Glenn L. McCullough Jr. of Tupelo - $46,600
Top new contributors: $2,300 - Jean Elmore, Tupelo homemaker; Jim Ferer, furniture supply, Tupelo; Elizabeth Moler, Exelon exec, McLean, Va.; Christina Hall, Tupelo legal secretary; Robert D. Kirk, retired, Miramar Beach Fla.; Jeff Leathers, Tupelo attorney; Lori Greer, Tupelo homemaker.
- Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford - $71,000
- Top new contributors - $55,000 from himself; $2,000 - American Academy of Family Physicians; Neurosurgery PAC.
Democrat Travis Childers of Booneville, longtime Prentiss County chancery clerk, is the only candidate in his party to file his contributions online with the FEC, so other candidates' new donors were not immediately apparent.
- Travis Childers - $2,000
- Top new contributors - $1,000 - BancorpSouth PAC; Arthur Jumper of Booneville.
Columbus Dispatch - Two locals give to congressional race - According to campaign finance reports published on the Federal Election Commission Web site, Columbus residents financially contributed to the campaigns of two candidates seeking the 1st District Congressional seat vacated by Roger Wicker - Republicans Glenn McCullough Jr. and Dr. Randy Russell.
The reports on www.fec.gov covered contributions made from Jan. 1 to Feb. 20.
Of the candidates whose financial information was posted, McCullough, the former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors, posted the most receipts - $334,061 - including, $288,561 in individual contributions and $45,500 in Political Action Committee receipts.
Individual Columbus contributors included: Henry C. Pilkinton, president of Better Brands, who gave $250; SeverCorr's Chief Executive Officer John Correnti, who listed himself as an executive with Corrections Corp. of America, gave $2,300; Stark Aerospace President David Eudy, who gave $1,000; a Columbus homemaker, who listed herself as “Mrs. Gregory Rader,” who gave $2,300; Dr. D.K. Curtis, a dentist with Pediatric Dentistry Group, who contributed $250; Stark Aerospace Vice President Richard Dobbins, who gave $1,000; Don R. Shelton, owner of Riverside Logistics, who contributed $500, Jeff Turnage, an attorney with Mitchell, McNutt and Sams, who gave $300; Henry Weiss, retired from Columbus Scrap Metal, who contributed $1,000; Attorney Gordon Flowers, who gave $500; Agnes Zaiontz, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority office manager, who contributed $250; Edward Lehner, a SeverCorr executive, who gave $1,000; Jim Ford, a retired Columbus resident, who contributed $1,000; Bobby Harper, a banker with Cadence Bank, who contributed $500; James C. Galloway Jr of Galloway, Chandler, McKinney Insurance, who gave $500; Thomas L. Phillips, chief executive officer of Southern Group, contributed $1,000; Henry Weiss, retired from Columbus Scrap Metal, gave $400; Gregory C. Rader, general manager of Columbus Scrap Metal, contributed $2,300; Gary A. Chism, a state representative and insurance agent with Columbus Insurance Services, gave $250; Nick Ardillo, president of NPA LLC, contributed $1,000 and Amy Ellis, president of Rafco Construction, gave $1,000.
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, a Republican, reported $296,455 in receipts, including $275,455 in individual contributions, $6,000 in PAC contributions and $15,000 in other contributions. Davis did not report any Columbus contributors.
Democrat Travis Childers, Prentiss County Chancery Court clerk, reported $181,628 in receipts, including $77,980 in individual contributions, $500 in PAC contributions and $3,148 in candidate contributions. Childers did not report any Columbus contributors.
Russell, a Republican Oxford ophthalmologist, reported $161,394 in receipts, including, $67,394 in individual contributions, $14,000 in PAC contributions and $80,000 in other contributions. Stan Murray, a banker with Citizens National Bank in Columbus contributed $250; Dan Bennet, a self-employed Columbus physician, gave $500 and Gregory W. Childrey, a self-employed Columbus physician, contributed $250 to Russell's campaign.
Also, Democrat Brian Neely reported $750 in individual contributions.
Three Republicans and five Democrats will face off in party primaries Tuesday.
All three Republicans reported new contributions:
- Southaven Mayor Greg Davis - $29,200
Top new contributors: $5,000 - BancorpSouth PAC; $2,300 - Meredith McCullar, McCullar Realty, Memphis; Lisa Beene, Great River Beverage, Southaven; William Posey, Greysone, Covington, Tenn.; Gayle Posey, housewife, Covington, Tenn.; James M. Harris III of Oxford; Robert Newman, Newmann-Tillman developer, Memphis; David Rozier of Oxford.
- Glenn L. McCullough Jr. of Tupelo - $46,600
Top new contributors: $2,300 - Jean Elmore, Tupelo homemaker; Jim Ferer, furniture supply, Tupelo; Elizabeth Moler, Exelon exec, McLean, Va.; Christina Hall, Tupelo legal secretary; Robert D. Kirk, retired, Miramar Beach Fla.; Jeff Leathers, Tupelo attorney; Lori Greer, Tupelo homemaker.
- Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford - $71,000
- Top new contributors - $55,000 from himself; $2,000 - American Academy of Family Physicians; Neurosurgery PAC.
Democrat Travis Childers of Booneville, longtime Prentiss County chancery clerk, is the only candidate in his party to file his contributions online with the FEC, so other candidates' new donors were not immediately apparent.
- Travis Childers - $2,000
- Top new contributors - $1,000 - BancorpSouth PAC; Arthur Jumper of Booneville.
Columbus Dispatch - Two locals give to congressional race - According to campaign finance reports published on the Federal Election Commission Web site, Columbus residents financially contributed to the campaigns of two candidates seeking the 1st District Congressional seat vacated by Roger Wicker - Republicans Glenn McCullough Jr. and Dr. Randy Russell.
The reports on www.fec.gov covered contributions made from Jan. 1 to Feb. 20.
Of the candidates whose financial information was posted, McCullough, the former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors, posted the most receipts - $334,061 - including, $288,561 in individual contributions and $45,500 in Political Action Committee receipts.
Individual Columbus contributors included: Henry C. Pilkinton, president of Better Brands, who gave $250; SeverCorr's Chief Executive Officer John Correnti, who listed himself as an executive with Corrections Corp. of America, gave $2,300; Stark Aerospace President David Eudy, who gave $1,000; a Columbus homemaker, who listed herself as “Mrs. Gregory Rader,” who gave $2,300; Dr. D.K. Curtis, a dentist with Pediatric Dentistry Group, who contributed $250; Stark Aerospace Vice President Richard Dobbins, who gave $1,000; Don R. Shelton, owner of Riverside Logistics, who contributed $500, Jeff Turnage, an attorney with Mitchell, McNutt and Sams, who gave $300; Henry Weiss, retired from Columbus Scrap Metal, who contributed $1,000; Attorney Gordon Flowers, who gave $500; Agnes Zaiontz, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority office manager, who contributed $250; Edward Lehner, a SeverCorr executive, who gave $1,000; Jim Ford, a retired Columbus resident, who contributed $1,000; Bobby Harper, a banker with Cadence Bank, who contributed $500; James C. Galloway Jr of Galloway, Chandler, McKinney Insurance, who gave $500; Thomas L. Phillips, chief executive officer of Southern Group, contributed $1,000; Henry Weiss, retired from Columbus Scrap Metal, gave $400; Gregory C. Rader, general manager of Columbus Scrap Metal, contributed $2,300; Gary A. Chism, a state representative and insurance agent with Columbus Insurance Services, gave $250; Nick Ardillo, president of NPA LLC, contributed $1,000 and Amy Ellis, president of Rafco Construction, gave $1,000.
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, a Republican, reported $296,455 in receipts, including $275,455 in individual contributions, $6,000 in PAC contributions and $15,000 in other contributions. Davis did not report any Columbus contributors.
Democrat Travis Childers, Prentiss County Chancery Court clerk, reported $181,628 in receipts, including $77,980 in individual contributions, $500 in PAC contributions and $3,148 in candidate contributions. Childers did not report any Columbus contributors.
Russell, a Republican Oxford ophthalmologist, reported $161,394 in receipts, including, $67,394 in individual contributions, $14,000 in PAC contributions and $80,000 in other contributions. Stan Murray, a banker with Citizens National Bank in Columbus contributed $250; Dan Bennet, a self-employed Columbus physician, gave $500 and Gregory W. Childrey, a self-employed Columbus physician, contributed $250 to Russell's campaign.
Also, Democrat Brian Neely reported $750 in individual contributions.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
7 Qualify for Special
AP - Seven candidates meet qualifying deadline for Wicker's old seat- Seven candidates will be on the ballot to represent north Mississippi's 1st Congressional District in an April 22 nonpartisan special election.
They met Friday's 5 p.m. deadline to file qualifying papers according to a statement Friday by the Secretary of State's Office.
Those qualifying are: State Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville; Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers of Booneville; former state Rep. Greg Davis of Southaven; former Mayor Glenn McCullough Jr. of Tupelo; Wally Pang of Batesville; John Wages Jr. of Tupelo and Dr. Randy Russell, an Oxford ophthalmologist.
The election is being held to fill the seat left vacant by Republican Roger Wicker, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate seat long held by GOP leader Trent Lott.
They met Friday's 5 p.m. deadline to file qualifying papers according to a statement Friday by the Secretary of State's Office.
Those qualifying are: State Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville; Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers of Booneville; former state Rep. Greg Davis of Southaven; former Mayor Glenn McCullough Jr. of Tupelo; Wally Pang of Batesville; John Wages Jr. of Tupelo and Dr. Randy Russell, an Oxford ophthalmologist.
The election is being held to fill the seat left vacant by Republican Roger Wicker, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate seat long held by GOP leader Trent Lott.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
McCullugh, Russell Debate
Mississippi Public Broadcasting - Republican Debate - Two republican candidates for the first congressional district seat held a debate last night in Aberdeen, in preparation for next week's primaries. The seat was vacated December 31st, when Roger Wicker was appointed to the senate. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Sprint
Clarion Ledger - Congress candidates sprinting to primary
Daily Journal - Davis, McCullough take off the gloves
Daily Journal - McCullough, Russell polite in Monroe County GOP debate
Daily Journal - Davis, McCullough take off the gloves
Daily Journal - McCullough, Russell polite in Monroe County GOP debate
Friday, February 29, 2008
Money Talks
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.
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.
Monday, February 25, 2008
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.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Russell Release
RANDY RUSSELL BEGINS AIRING TELEVISION AND RADIO ADS
Oxford , MS –Republican and Candidate for Congress Randy Russell will begin an advertising campaign on television and radio.
“It is important that the voters of Northern Mississippi have a choice in representing them in Congress,” Dr. Russell said. “I not a career politician and I have never run for office before. I believe I am different kind of candidate.”
The ads focus on Dr. Russell’s real world experience as well as conservative activism. Russell has been a practicing physician in Mississippi for over 25 years. He and his wife, Amy, have been volunteer foster parents for more than 90 babies.
Both ads are available at www.randyrussellforcongress.com.
Oxford , MS –Republican and Candidate for Congress Randy Russell will begin an advertising campaign on television and radio.
“It is important that the voters of Northern Mississippi have a choice in representing them in Congress,” Dr. Russell said. “I not a career politician and I have never run for office before. I believe I am different kind of candidate.”
The ads focus on Dr. Russell’s real world experience as well as conservative activism. Russell has been a practicing physician in Mississippi for over 25 years. He and his wife, Amy, have been volunteer foster parents for more than 90 babies.
Both ads are available at www.randyrussellforcongress.com.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
GOP trio at Columbus-Lowndes Republican Women
Commercial Dispatch - Congressional candidates detail priorities to Republican women - The three Republican candidates for the 1st District Congressional seat vacated by Roger Wicker spoke Tuesday to a full audience at the Columbus-Lowndes Republican Women luncheon. Davis wants to “bury the death tax” and restrain spending, support the armed forces, protect the United States border, and supports the Second Amendment. McCullough said he wants to “champion our conservative values,” “bring better jobs,” “keep America safe,” “promote public education,” and “secure our energy future.” “I believe we got too much away from the founding principles of our country,” he added, noting he supports “limited government, not this over-arching government that tries to get into all our lives.”
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Russell Bus Tour
RANDY RUSSELL BEGINS BUS TOUR
Oxford , MS – Today, Republican and Candidate for Congress Randy Russell announced he would be having a bus tour through the district from February 14 – 16.
“It is important to me to get out and meet actual voters,” Dr. Russell said. “We have been very encouraged by the overwhelming response to our campaign. I am not a career politician and the more people who see that I am the only conservative choice for North Mississippi , the greater chance we have of winning the Primary in March.”
Day One – February 14, 2008
Noon: Bus Door Kick Off from the Campaign Office - Oxford, MS
1:30PM: Pavilion in Water Valley. - Water Valley, MS
4PM: Town Park on Hwy 4 Pavilion - Senatobia, MS
Day Two – February 15, 2008
7:30AM: Whistle-Stop Restaurant - Byahlia, MS
11AM: County Courthouse - Ripley, MS
3:00PM: Corinth City Hall - Corinth, MS
5:45PM: New County Courthouse - Iuka, MS (Next to Wal-Mart)
Country Squire Restaurant - Iuka, MS
Day Three – February 16, 2008
6AM: Jimbo’s - New Albany, MS
10AM: Sale Barn - New Albany, MS
Noon: Harvey’s Restaurant - Tupelo, MS
2PM: Town Square - Houston, MS
4PM: Downtown Aberdeen - Aderdeen, MS
6:30PM: Holiday Inn Hwy. 82 and 45 - Columbus, MS
The District includes all of Northern Mississippi . The Republican Primary will be held on March 11, 2008.
For more information, please visit http://www.randyrussellforcongress.com.
Oxford , MS – Today, Republican and Candidate for Congress Randy Russell announced he would be having a bus tour through the district from February 14 – 16.
“It is important to me to get out and meet actual voters,” Dr. Russell said. “We have been very encouraged by the overwhelming response to our campaign. I am not a career politician and the more people who see that I am the only conservative choice for North Mississippi , the greater chance we have of winning the Primary in March.”
Day One – February 14, 2008
Noon: Bus Door Kick Off from the Campaign Office - Oxford, MS
1:30PM: Pavilion in Water Valley. - Water Valley, MS
4PM: Town Park on Hwy 4 Pavilion - Senatobia, MS
Day Two – February 15, 2008
7:30AM: Whistle-Stop Restaurant - Byahlia, MS
11AM: County Courthouse - Ripley, MS
3:00PM: Corinth City Hall - Corinth, MS
5:45PM: New County Courthouse - Iuka, MS (Next to Wal-Mart)
Country Squire Restaurant - Iuka, MS
Day Three – February 16, 2008
6AM: Jimbo’s - New Albany, MS
10AM: Sale Barn - New Albany, MS
Noon: Harvey’s Restaurant - Tupelo, MS
2PM: Town Square - Houston, MS
4PM: Downtown Aberdeen - Aderdeen, MS
6:30PM: Holiday Inn Hwy. 82 and 45 - Columbus, MS
The District includes all of Northern Mississippi . The Republican Primary will be held on March 11, 2008.
For more information, please visit http://www.randyrussellforcongress.com.
Russell - "servant leadership"
Commercial Dispatch - Opthalmologist wants to be ‘servant leader' in 1st District - A desire to work for the people with a “servant leadership attitude” drives an Oxford ophthalmologist, Dr. Randy Russell, in seeking the Republican nomination for the 1st District Congressional seat vacated by Roger Wicker.
“I want to fight for moral principles,” he told The Dispatch editorial board Thursday, noting he advocates a “traditional two-parent family,” and is “pro-life.”
A resident of Lafayette County, who also practices in Southaven, Russell and his wife, Amy, have a son and a daughter, who both attend the University of Mississippi.
Additionally, the Russells have been volunteer foster parents to more than 89 newborn babies, waiting for permanent placement.
“I'm the clear conservative choice,” he said. “We are social and economic conservatives.”
“I don't think we should withdraw troops without a specific strategy that secures gains made on the ground,” he said of the war in Iraq, suggesting publicizing timetables for withdrawal only “assists the enemy.”
Regarding the economic stimulus plan of Congress and President George W. Bush, he said the offered “direct tax rebates are going to be of short and limited effect.”
To make the cost of health care more affordable, Russell suggested “tax reforms and insurance reforms.”
“The Democrats want to take us toward a socialized system,” he said. “No one will be happy. We've got the greatest health care system in the world; we don't need to put government between physicians and their patients.”
And he emphasized a need to “transition younger workers to taxpayer owned retirement accounts,” in response to potential insolvency of the Social Security fund.
“The Social Security fund was devised by politicians who couldn't foresee Americans' life spans would increase,” he explained. “You can't predict what the future will hold, so everyone should own their own retirement account.”
“We need to be very careful about bringing home the bacon because everyone in the country wants to do that,” he added. “(We must) be very careful about building bridges to nowhere. Mississippi (should work to) be the best place in the country for private investment.”
“We've got the technological and material ability to stop people from coming across the border,” he said. “We just haven't had the political will. I want to be part of that process that makes it happen."
Defending the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution - which states, “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” - also is a high priority for Russell.
“It protects all other amendments,” he said of the Second Amendment, noting the U.S. needs a “strong military.”
“I want us to continue to have the strongest military power in the world,” he elaborated. “Democrats in Congress have tried to shackle our intelligence agencies. We will suffer more terrorist attacks I think can be prevented, if we let the intelligence agencies do their jobs.”
Russell, 54, concluded by characterizing himself as holding a “low tax, limited government philosophy.”
“I want to fight for moral principles,” he told The Dispatch editorial board Thursday, noting he advocates a “traditional two-parent family,” and is “pro-life.”
A resident of Lafayette County, who also practices in Southaven, Russell and his wife, Amy, have a son and a daughter, who both attend the University of Mississippi.
Additionally, the Russells have been volunteer foster parents to more than 89 newborn babies, waiting for permanent placement.
“I'm the clear conservative choice,” he said. “We are social and economic conservatives.”
“I don't think we should withdraw troops without a specific strategy that secures gains made on the ground,” he said of the war in Iraq, suggesting publicizing timetables for withdrawal only “assists the enemy.”
Regarding the economic stimulus plan of Congress and President George W. Bush, he said the offered “direct tax rebates are going to be of short and limited effect.”
To make the cost of health care more affordable, Russell suggested “tax reforms and insurance reforms.”
“The Democrats want to take us toward a socialized system,” he said. “No one will be happy. We've got the greatest health care system in the world; we don't need to put government between physicians and their patients.”
And he emphasized a need to “transition younger workers to taxpayer owned retirement accounts,” in response to potential insolvency of the Social Security fund.
“The Social Security fund was devised by politicians who couldn't foresee Americans' life spans would increase,” he explained. “You can't predict what the future will hold, so everyone should own their own retirement account.”
“We need to be very careful about bringing home the bacon because everyone in the country wants to do that,” he added. “(We must) be very careful about building bridges to nowhere. Mississippi (should work to) be the best place in the country for private investment.”
“We've got the technological and material ability to stop people from coming across the border,” he said. “We just haven't had the political will. I want to be part of that process that makes it happen."
Defending the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution - which states, “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” - also is a high priority for Russell.
“It protects all other amendments,” he said of the Second Amendment, noting the U.S. needs a “strong military.”
“I want us to continue to have the strongest military power in the world,” he elaborated. “Democrats in Congress have tried to shackle our intelligence agencies. We will suffer more terrorist attacks I think can be prevented, if we let the intelligence agencies do their jobs.”
Russell, 54, concluded by characterizing himself as holding a “low tax, limited government philosophy.”
Monday, February 11, 2008
Polls
1) From a reader's email:
A Public Opinion Strategies (R) poll; conducted 1/16-17 for Southaven Mayor Greg Davis (R); surveyed 300 GOP LVs; margin of error +/- 6% (McArdle, Roll Call, 2/5). Tested: Davis, Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough (R) and ophthalmologist Randy Russell (R). Primary Election Matchup
G. Davis 36%
G. McCullough 22
R. Russell 1
Source: House Race Hotline
2) From MisterTurnbow:
I saw a GOP internal poll over the weekend that was taken for the special congressional election in north Mississippi. There wasnt anything all that surprising in it. Greg Davis had a 45-40 lead over former TVA Chief Glenn McCullough in the GOP primary. They didnt survey the democrats but I would assume that State Rep Steve Holland will win that race. The general election match ups showed that Davis and McCullough would both defeat Holland but McCulloughs lead was only eight points while Davis was up by twelve over Holland.
A Public Opinion Strategies (R) poll; conducted 1/16-17 for Southaven Mayor Greg Davis (R); surveyed 300 GOP LVs; margin of error +/- 6% (McArdle, Roll Call, 2/5). Tested: Davis, Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough (R) and ophthalmologist Randy Russell (R). Primary Election Matchup
G. Davis 36%
G. McCullough 22
R. Russell 1
Source: House Race Hotline
2) From MisterTurnbow:
I saw a GOP internal poll over the weekend that was taken for the special congressional election in north Mississippi. There wasnt anything all that surprising in it. Greg Davis had a 45-40 lead over former TVA Chief Glenn McCullough in the GOP primary. They didnt survey the democrats but I would assume that State Rep Steve Holland will win that race. The general election match ups showed that Davis and McCullough would both defeat Holland but McCulloughs lead was only eight points while Davis was up by twelve over Holland.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Russell claims conservative mantle
Daily Journal - Oxford candidate touts ‘clear conservative choice’ - People are often surprised to hear that a physician is running for Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District seat. After all, Dr. Randy Russell’s ophthalmology practices in Oxford and Southaven, his civic involvement and his family keep him busy already. “I want to fight for the founding principles of our country. It has to do with free enterprise, limited government, strong defense against our enemies, and the traditional married, two-parent family.” Russell, a Republican, acknowledges he’s the least-known of the three Republican candidates for the seat formerly held by Sen. Roger Wicker, but says he is “The Clear Conservative Choice” in the race. His campaign literature emphasizes he is “pro-life, pro-family, pro-adoption,” values he and his wife, Amy, have supported by rearing their own two now-grown children and by serving as foster parents to 90 newborn children, the most recent of which arrived Friday. Russell said he believes useful federal projects are part of the common good of the nation, and he would compete to bring as many as possible to the 1st District. “Things that are going to be built, that are essential, you fight for those things,” he said. “The congressman is supposed to be an assistant, a helper, in all that.”
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Russell - Monroe County GOP
Dr. Randy Russell will be speaking to the Monroe County Republican Party on Jan. 31. The meeting will be held at the Shelaine Restaurant in Aberdeen at 6:30pm.
Matt Frideman's InTheFight blog on Russell's pro-life background: 88
Matt Frideman's InTheFight blog on Russell's pro-life background: 88
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Out, Endorsing, In
Clarion Ledger: Nunnelee, Franks will not seek House seat
Daily Journal: Speculation ends, Nunnelee says no
Word is Nunnelee is endorsing Glenn McCullough.
Meanwhile Randy Russell announced he WILL be a candidate, Angela McClowan announced she is considering it, and tongues are wagging that Wesley Walls may join the crowd.
Daily Journal: Speculation ends, Nunnelee says no
Word is Nunnelee is endorsing Glenn McCullough.
Meanwhile Randy Russell announced he WILL be a candidate, Angela McClowan announced she is considering it, and tongues are wagging that Wesley Walls may join the crowd.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Southern Political Report
From the Southern Political Report - Mississippi: Many Contenders for Wicker Seat:
President Bush carried the district with 62% in 2004; the district is 71% white, 26% black, so a
The Republicans:
Greg Davis, 41, mayor of Southhaven, the fastest growing municipality in the state, was first out of the starting gate, announcing on November 28, before Wicker’s Senate appointment, that he was preparing to run in the event a vacancy occurred. On December 31, he filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and has begun organizing a campaign for both the unexpired term and the full two-year term. Davis has been mayor for eleven years and before that, was a member of the state house of representatives for six years. He has an engineering degree from Mississippi State. He is one of the top contenders, with the experience, background and outgoing personality that make for a good campaigner. He would have draw especially well in the northwestern part of the district.
Glenn McCullough, 52, a former mayor of Tupelo, made his kickoff announcement in four stops throughout the district on January 2. He is a past chairman of the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, which the district’s electricity provider. He also served as director of the Appalachian Regional Commission. McCullough was elected mayor of Tupelo, the district’s largest city, in 1997 with 61% of the vote. Like Davis, he is well-qualified for the job, is personable and is well-liked. McCullough would be popular in the eastern part of the district.
State Sen. Alan Nunnelee, 49, is a 13-year veteran of the state’s upper legislative chamber, where he chairs the Public Health and Welfare Committee and is slated to become chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee when the legislature convenes on January 8. Nunnelee, who is from Tupelo, also chairs the “Taxpayer Protection Caucus” in the state senate, a group of nine senators who signed a pledge of Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform that committed him to “oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.” Nunnelee has not entered the race, but told the Biloxi Sun-Herald that he is “seriously considering” running. He is a businessman (insurance). While not as well-known as some of the other contenders, he is smart, energetic and has a successful business background.
Brad Prewitt, a Tupelo attorney and a former staff member for US Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS) has expressed interest in the race. According to the Sun Herald, Prewitt’s wife is expecting twins in February, which is affecting his decision. If he does run, he would not be as strong a candidate as Davis or McCullough, in part because he has not lived in the district very long.
Dr. Randy Russell, an Oxford ophthalmologist and a former member of the state board of health, is looking at the race. Russell has long been active in Republican Party affairs. He was a strong supporter of former Mississippi governor Kirk Fordice (R). He has indicated that he plans to run, though he isn’t likely to be strong district-wide.
The Democrats:
Travis Childers, 49, who has served as chancery clerk for Prentiss County (Booneville) for five terms, announced his candidacy on January 2. Childers is the owner of Travis Childers Real Estate in Booneville and also owns, with his family, a nursing home and related facilities. One source describes Childers as “the dark horse in the race,” noting that he is “a savvy politician who is extraordinarily well-connected” with chancery clerks and other court house officials throughout the district. “He’s a popular public figure,” continues this observer, who notes that Childers could benefit from anti-Tupelo sentiment in parts of the district.
State Rep. Jamie Franks, 35, a hard-charging populist, ran an attention-getting race for lieutenant governor in 2007, in which he promised to stand up “to the special interests and sweetheart deals that get in the way of what Mississippi families need.” Although his campaign was unsuccessful, it should give him significant name ID in the district. While Franks got 41% of the statewide vote against Phil Bryant (R), he ran marginally better in the 1st District, garnering 44%. He did not, however, carry Lee County, his home bailiwick. Franks has not announced, but in a recent interview with the Clarion Ledger, he sounded like he would not run. For starters, he might have difficulty raising the necessary funds immediately following a losing statewide campaign.
State Rep. Steve Holland, 52, has indicated in the media that he will seek the seat. He has served in the state house of representatives for 28 years, where he has earned a reputation for being a very effective lawmaker, and gets re-elected by overwhelming majorities. Holland, from Plantersville, chairs the Public Health and Human Services Committee and co-chairs the Select Committee on Accessible and Affordable Medical Malpractice Insurance. He is a farmer and a funeral home owner. He is well-known across the district, in part for being flamboyant, which some folks regard as a plus, others as a minus.
Brian Neely, a Tupelo lawyer, announced his candidacy on January 2. Neely is a former county attorney for Lee County (Tupelo). He is a former Marine Corps captain.
State Sen. Gray Tollison, 43, who chairs the upper chamber’s Judiciary Committee, was once on the staff of the late US Sen. Stennis (D-MS). A progressive young lawmaker, Tollison, from Oxford, “is a polished, urbane, cosmopolitan person,” says one observer. He is well-liked in the legislature. Tollison in a recent speech noted that he was “part of the first generation of white Southerners to attend integrated schools in the South. It has made a difference in my life.” He also praised President Lyndon Johnson for believing “that racism was not only dividing blacks from whites but also dividing the South from the rest of the nation. By freeing people from its scourge, everyone in the region would have a better chance to grow.” He and his wife are successful attorneys. Tollison has not indicated whether he will enter the race, but if he does, he could be a significant factor.
The filing deadline for the full two year term is January 11. The primary is on March 11 and the General Election is on November 4. Gov. Haley Barbour (R) has not yet called a special election for the remainder of Wicker’s term, but says he will do so within the next 60 days. It should be around the same time as the regular primary, but will be a non-partisan election, with a runoff between the top two, regardless of party.
President Bush carried the district with 62% in 2004; the district is 71% white, 26% black, so a
The Republicans:
Greg Davis, 41, mayor of Southhaven, the fastest growing municipality in the state, was first out of the starting gate, announcing on November 28, before Wicker’s Senate appointment, that he was preparing to run in the event a vacancy occurred. On December 31, he filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and has begun organizing a campaign for both the unexpired term and the full two-year term. Davis has been mayor for eleven years and before that, was a member of the state house of representatives for six years. He has an engineering degree from Mississippi State. He is one of the top contenders, with the experience, background and outgoing personality that make for a good campaigner. He would have draw especially well in the northwestern part of the district.
Glenn McCullough, 52, a former mayor of Tupelo, made his kickoff announcement in four stops throughout the district on January 2. He is a past chairman of the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, which the district’s electricity provider. He also served as director of the Appalachian Regional Commission. McCullough was elected mayor of Tupelo, the district’s largest city, in 1997 with 61% of the vote. Like Davis, he is well-qualified for the job, is personable and is well-liked. McCullough would be popular in the eastern part of the district.
State Sen. Alan Nunnelee, 49, is a 13-year veteran of the state’s upper legislative chamber, where he chairs the Public Health and Welfare Committee and is slated to become chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee when the legislature convenes on January 8. Nunnelee, who is from Tupelo, also chairs the “Taxpayer Protection Caucus” in the state senate, a group of nine senators who signed a pledge of Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform that committed him to “oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.” Nunnelee has not entered the race, but told the Biloxi Sun-Herald that he is “seriously considering” running. He is a businessman (insurance). While not as well-known as some of the other contenders, he is smart, energetic and has a successful business background.
Brad Prewitt, a Tupelo attorney and a former staff member for US Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS) has expressed interest in the race. According to the Sun Herald, Prewitt’s wife is expecting twins in February, which is affecting his decision. If he does run, he would not be as strong a candidate as Davis or McCullough, in part because he has not lived in the district very long.
Dr. Randy Russell, an Oxford ophthalmologist and a former member of the state board of health, is looking at the race. Russell has long been active in Republican Party affairs. He was a strong supporter of former Mississippi governor Kirk Fordice (R). He has indicated that he plans to run, though he isn’t likely to be strong district-wide.
The Democrats:
Travis Childers, 49, who has served as chancery clerk for Prentiss County (Booneville) for five terms, announced his candidacy on January 2. Childers is the owner of Travis Childers Real Estate in Booneville and also owns, with his family, a nursing home and related facilities. One source describes Childers as “the dark horse in the race,” noting that he is “a savvy politician who is extraordinarily well-connected” with chancery clerks and other court house officials throughout the district. “He’s a popular public figure,” continues this observer, who notes that Childers could benefit from anti-Tupelo sentiment in parts of the district.
State Rep. Jamie Franks, 35, a hard-charging populist, ran an attention-getting race for lieutenant governor in 2007, in which he promised to stand up “to the special interests and sweetheart deals that get in the way of what Mississippi families need.” Although his campaign was unsuccessful, it should give him significant name ID in the district. While Franks got 41% of the statewide vote against Phil Bryant (R), he ran marginally better in the 1st District, garnering 44%. He did not, however, carry Lee County, his home bailiwick. Franks has not announced, but in a recent interview with the Clarion Ledger, he sounded like he would not run. For starters, he might have difficulty raising the necessary funds immediately following a losing statewide campaign.
State Rep. Steve Holland, 52, has indicated in the media that he will seek the seat. He has served in the state house of representatives for 28 years, where he has earned a reputation for being a very effective lawmaker, and gets re-elected by overwhelming majorities. Holland, from Plantersville, chairs the Public Health and Human Services Committee and co-chairs the Select Committee on Accessible and Affordable Medical Malpractice Insurance. He is a farmer and a funeral home owner. He is well-known across the district, in part for being flamboyant, which some folks regard as a plus, others as a minus.
Brian Neely, a Tupelo lawyer, announced his candidacy on January 2. Neely is a former county attorney for Lee County (Tupelo). He is a former Marine Corps captain.
State Sen. Gray Tollison, 43, who chairs the upper chamber’s Judiciary Committee, was once on the staff of the late US Sen. Stennis (D-MS). A progressive young lawmaker, Tollison, from Oxford, “is a polished, urbane, cosmopolitan person,” says one observer. He is well-liked in the legislature. Tollison in a recent speech noted that he was “part of the first generation of white Southerners to attend integrated schools in the South. It has made a difference in my life.” He also praised President Lyndon Johnson for believing “that racism was not only dividing blacks from whites but also dividing the South from the rest of the nation. By freeing people from its scourge, everyone in the region would have a better chance to grow.” He and his wife are successful attorneys. Tollison has not indicated whether he will enter the race, but if he does, he could be a significant factor.
The filing deadline for the full two year term is January 11. The primary is on March 11 and the General Election is on November 4. Gov. Haley Barbour (R) has not yet called a special election for the remainder of Wicker’s term, but says he will do so within the next 60 days. It should be around the same time as the regular primary, but will be a non-partisan election, with a runoff between the top two, regardless of party.
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