Harper, Nunnelee file for election

Republican Congressman Gregg Harper has filed to run for reelection to his Third Congressional District seat.

Republican state Senator Alan Nunnelee has filed to run against incumbent Democratic Congressman Travis Childers in the First Congressional District seat.

Henry Ross Announces Plans for 1st District Run

Desoto Times Tribune - Ross tosses hat into First District race

Henry Ross, former mayor of Eupora, assistant district attorney and circuit court judge, has announced his plans to run for U.S. Representative in the First Congressional District.

He is expected to officially announce his candidacy after the first of the year.

Ross, a Eupora native, attorney and former U.S. Department of Justice official, will face Alan Nunnelee in the Republican primary election, in the bid to defeat incumbent Democrat Travis Childers in the general election.

"In my travels across the First Congressional District, I have found that the people want somebody who is not wanting to move up or have a second career," Ross said.

"They want a real conservative to restore God-centered government. They want someone who will fight to strengthen their family's security and someone who believes in fiscal responsibility."

Election Updates: MS01 and MS04

Majority in Mississippi - MS-01: Huckabee Endorses Nunnelee

Y'all Politics - Former Eupora mayor Henry Ross considering testing Nunnelee for Childers seat

Majority in Mississippi - Ross Still Interested In MS-01

Hattiesburg American - Tegerdine to take on Taylor

JoeTegerdine.com - 15 County Sprint

Tuesday Digest

The Commercial Appeal writes about the upcoming anticipated Childers-Nunnelee race: Nunnelee, GOP take aim at Childers. Majority in Mississippi posts Nunnelee takes a swing at Pelosi-Care. Human Events says if Childers joins the Democrats in supporting the House health care bill, he will be one of Pelosi’s Kamikazes.

Respond Mississippi posts an update on the ethics investigation regarding Bennie Thompson's travel.

Charles Dunagin from the McComb Enterprise Journal writes:

Third District U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper probably will remain the McComb area’s congressman as long as he wants to be -- barring significant realignment of his district. But some of the other flippant answers given by Harper in the interview, as reported on the Internet, would make good advertising fodder for an opponent, if Harper ever has a serious one.

Meanwhile, Y'all Politics posts that Harper will have a teletown hall tonight for people in Oktibbeha, Winston, and Noxubee Counties.

Gene Taylor opposes the FDA's new Gulf Coast oyster regulations in the Sun Herald and Press Register. He also opposes the Richton Salt Dome project funding. But he supports the "Interstate 10 connector road that would tie the shopping mecca of Sangani Boulevard to Washington Avenue north of I-10."

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.

Tuesday Digest: Gene Taylor, Bennie Thompson, Childers v Nunnelee

Sid Salter Blog - Gene Taylor: Calls it like he sees it

Y'all Politics - RollCall - Travis Childers likely an underdog if political shift continues

Y'all Politics - Cook Report puts Childers, Nunnelee race as a toss up

Clarion Ledger - Childers-Nunnelee race gains national attention

Sun Herald - Gene Taylor: Stennis could be home to Riverines

Roll Call - Bennie Thompson Column: Computers Present Security Challenge

2009 3rd Quarter FEC Reports

Childers for Congress
Raised: $274,464.26
Spent: $49,650.04
Cash On Hand: $507,220.73
Debt: $100,000.00
Note Contribution Includes: $1000 from Ronnie Musgrove and $1000 from Musgrove for U.S. Senate

Nunnelee for Congress
Raised: $219,954.00
Spent: $38,790.63
cash On Hand: $181,163.37
Note Contributions Include: $1000 from HALEYS PAC and $1000 from Friends of Phil Bryant

Friends of Bennie Thompson
Raised: $305,482.53
Spent: $146,760.55
Cash On Hand: $1,738,288.68
Note Transfer to DCCC: $100,000.01
Report Not Yet Posted at FEC.gov for Second District PAC or Secure PAC

Gregg Harper for Congress
Raised: $142,792.60
Spent: $47,807.53
Cash On Hand: $155,800.67
Note: GREGG PAC also raised $5000; Spent $2000; and has $4,301.01 Cash On Hand

Gene Taylor for Congress
Raised: $65,234.98
Spent: $49,185.55
Cash On Hand: $216,492.64

Nunnelee Claims $220,000 raised in two months

Y'all Politics - Nunnelee Raises $220,000 in first two months of Congressional Campaign

It will be interesting to see the names on his report, and to see how Travis Childers has been doing on fundraising.

The Sunlight Foundation's PoliticalPartyTime.org lists 15 recent fundraisers for Childers in and around Washington DC since the summer of 2008 including one by the NRA, one by the DCCC, six breakfast fundraisers at the National Democratic Club, and two at DNC HQ.

At the end of 2009's second quarter Childers reported $289,006.51 cash-on-hand which does not include $100,000 in outstanding campaign debt.

Nunnelee In 1

Associated Press - Nunnelee readying for potential 1st District race

Republican state Sen. Alan Nunnelee of Tupelo has filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission announcing his intention to run for Congress in Mississippi's First District.

Nunnelee is not qualifying for the 2010 election. That would come later. The FEC filing means Nunnelee is beginning to raise money.

Nunnelee has toured the north Mississippi congressional district over the past few weeks to gauge his support.

The post is now held by Democrat Travis Childers of Booneville. Childers won the post after Republican Roger Wicker was appointed to the U.S. Senate.

The 50-year-old Nunnelee is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He has been in the Senate since 1995.

Nunnelee Links Childers to Pelosi

The Hill - Democratic initiatives lead to Republican enthusiasm

Some of the GOP’s strongest recruits are running in heavily Republican districts lost in the landslides of 2006 and 2008. They include Iraq war veteran Vaughn Ward (R), running against Rep. Walt Minnick (D-Idaho); Winter Park City Commissioner Karen Diebel (R), taking on Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D-Fla.); and state Sen. Alan Nunnelee (R), who is challenging Rep. Travis Childers (D-Miss.).

In those districts, some candidates have signaled they will use President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) as national bogeymen to demonstrate their policy disagreements, even though many more conservative Democrats may have voted against controversial legislation.

“With or without Childers’s vote, [Democrats are] passing legislation because of the leadership team that he supported,” Nunnelee told The Hill this week. While Childers may not have voted with Democrats every time, Nunnelee stresses Childers’s ties to Pelosi, noting “he has voted for her 100 percent of the time on the critical vote” to make her Speaker.

Nunnelee and Childers look to 2010

Politics Magazine - June 2009

Despite Childers' conservative stances on abortion and gun rights (he makes some of the more moderate members of the caucus look like lefties), he should get a run for his money next year...Childers pollster John Anzalone thinks despite the favorable territory, challengers are reluctant. "[Childers] defies party labels and that's always been our message," says Anzalone. "So even though it's a really tough district [for Democrats], he has run strong in more than one election. That should give even strong Republican challengers pause." Last cycle, the DCCC spent more than a million dollars to help Childers win the seat...observers are convinced natinonal Dems will open their pockets again to keep Childers in the House. "They have an investment in him," says Anzalone, "and they are going to protect that investment."

Nunnelee makes tour stop in Southaven - DeSoto Times Tribune

Sen. Alan Nunnelee, R-Tupelo, ended a four-day "listening tour" of north Mississippi on Monday, making an appearance in Southaven before more than 60 DeSoto Countians.

Elected to the state Senate in 1994 and current chair of its Appropriations Committee, Nunnelee focused his comments during the event on his disappointments in decisions recently made in Washington.

"What they have done is engage in the crime of generational theft," he said about Congress' approval of the economic stimulus package.

Nunnelee, who is considering a run for the First Congressional District seat currently held by Democrat Travis Childers, also addressed state spending during Monday's event.

Nunnelee said state legislators have taken an approach to budget based on existing revenue rather than spending requests.

"That's what you expect of your state government," he said.

Flowers Out

Roll Call - GOP Looks to Avoid Primary in Race Against Childers (HT: Y'all)

After the GOP’s stunning 2008 special election loss in Mississippi’s Tupelo- and Southaven-based 1st district, on Wednesday the party took a big step toward avoiding another divisive regional primary fight in the Magnolia State.

State Sen. Merle Flowers, who hails from Southaven and was in Washington, D.C., earlier this month meeting with National Republican Congressional Committee officials, has decided to forgo a Congressional bid. His decision clears a major obstacle from the path of state Sen. Alan Nunnelee (R), who is from Tupelo and is now the clear favorite of party leaders among the announced candidates.

Still, Flowers’ decision doesn’t exactly gift-wrap the primary for Nunnelee. There is no lack of excitement in GOP circles to challenge Childers, and there’s talk of other potential GOP candidates getting into the race before the state’s January filing deadline. Former Eupora Mayor Henry Ross (R) has signaled his interest in seeking the nomination, and there is speculation about interest from political commentator Angela McGlowan, millionaire businessman Sam Haskell and former NFL star Wesley Walls.

Patsy Brumfield on Travis Childers

Childers: Year one

Voting to re-authorize the State Children's Health Program, U.S. Rep. Travis Childers says, has been the highlight of his first 12 months in office.

"I was pleased to support SCHIP. What kind of a nation are we if we won't support our children who have less fortunate parents?" asked Childers.

Childers strongly rejects predictions by some national pundits that he'll become a Republican to avoid that party's crosshairs when he seeks re-election in 2010 in the previously GOP district.

"Absolutely not," he said.

"I'm a Southern Democrat - I vote what's best for Mississippi," which may not fit neatly into a party cookie-cutter, he noted.

Tupelo's state Sen. Alan Nunnelee is one Republican name circulating as a possible opponent. Nunnelee has said he's considering a race for Congress as well as future options in state government.

Childers is optimistic health care reform is on the way: "This is the year to make it happen. I don't think it will be a radical approach. And we must have both parties at the table."

Nunnelee's Tax Payer Pledge

Alan Nunnelee, often suggested as a potential challenger to Travis Childers, is catching some heat for breaking his Mississippi Taxpayer Protection Pledge when he voted for the recent cigarette tax increase.

Childers v Nunnelee

Tupelo Daily Journal sets the stage for the 2010 election in Mississippi's First Congressional District.

State Sen. Alan Nunnelee, R-Tupelo, is pondering a possible race for Congress, and this week he’ll go on a “listening tour” of Northeast Mississippi to hear what people think.

“What I am attempting to do is get a feel of what my future leadership role should be – whether I should look for an expanded role in Jackson or pursue opportunities in Washington,” Nunnelee said recently.

As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Nunnelee is close to the zenith of power in the Mississippi Legislature.

But Nunnelee recently has been focusing on the possibility of a race for the 1st District U.S. House seat in 2010. Incumbent Democrat Travis Childers, former Prentiss County chancery clerk, won the seat last year in a special election and then secured a full two-year term in November.

If Nunnelee does decide to run for Congress, he’ll be trying to do what many of his colleagues have been unable to do – win an election to the U.S. House while serving in the Mississippi Legislature.

Nunnelee replaced Roger Wicker, who as state senator won the 1st District seat while serving in the Legislature.

Nunnelee, whose Senate district includes most of Lee County and a portion of Pontotoc, will conduct his “listening tour” across Northeast Mississippi, which makes up a substantial portion of the 1st District.

It will kick off Monday at 6 p.m. at the Tupelo Furniture Market, and includes later visits to Oxford (April 27), Corinth (April 28) and Columbus (May 7).

A Childers-Nunnelee matchup would pit two candidates from the more rural eastern side of the district anchored by Tupelo and Columbus.

Brad Morris, Childers’ chief of staff, said it is too early to be speculating about who will challenge his boss.

“Travis was just elected by the folks of the 1st District literally a few months ago because he shares their values and is independent enough to work in a bipartisan way,” Morris said, adding Childers is focused “on doing the job he was sent there to do.”

A hint of Nunnelee’s possible strategy against Childers came last week at the Tupelo gathering of a nationwide conservative protest of current federal spending.

Nunnelee held up a thick copy of the $787 billion federal stimulus bill and, while not mentioning Childers’ vote in support of it, said it “robbed from our future generations.”

Besides Wicker, there have been other successes. Gene Taylor, a then-state senator, was elected in the 1980s to the south Mississippi House seat he still holds.

And the legendary G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery of Meridian was serving in the state Senate when he was elected to the U.S. House, where he served from 1967 to 1997.

If Nunnelee chooses pursue the congressional seat, he said he would need to make that decision this year, though he might not announce it until 2010.

Friday Roundup

Roll Call says Alan Nunnelee and Merle Flowers may be considering a challenge to Travis Childers in 2010.

Southaven Mayor Greg Davis (R), who lost to Childers in both the special election and in the November general election rematch, said last week that he has no interest in challenging Childers again in 2010. And now Magnolia State Republican insiders have turned their attention to GOP state Sens. Alan Nunnelee and Merle Flowers.

Nunnelee, who chairs the state Senate Appropriations Committee, acknowledged his interest in the 1st district race on Monday but said he probably won’t make a decision on a Congressional bid until after the state budgeting process is complete.

Nunnelee said his biggest concern with Childers is the Congressman’s ties to the more liberal leaders of his party. And while Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is currently “giving [Childers] free reign on the tough votes ... anytime she needs his vote it will be there.”

Flowers expressed similar concerns with Childers but said it is too early to talk about whether he’d challenge the Congressman in 2010. Nunnelee said that considering the close relationship that he and Flowers have, “I can’t see any scenario where Merle and I would run against each other” in a GOP primary.

Gene Taylor has a townhall meeting in D'Iberville on April 6.

When it comes to helping our deployed military, our country has "an abysmal record" says Gregg Harper.

Bennie Thompson is pleased at the selection of Ray Mabus as Secretary of Navy.

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.

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.

Deadline Looms

Daily Journal: Deadline for 1st District seat looms

Jan. 11 is the qualifying deadline for party primaries leading up to the Nov. 4 general election. For the special election, Gov. Haley Barbour hasn't decided yet, but it can't be that far off. State law requires a special election to fill the House post within about 120 days of the vacancy.

State Sen. Alan Nunnelee, a Republican, said he's giving the race serious consideration. The name of one of his Democratic colleagues, Oxford state Sen. Gray Tollison, also popped up Monday. Calls to him were not returned Monday. Nunnelee said Monday he is very interested in the 1st District seat but will evaluate his situation after speaking with Lt. Gov.-elect Phil Bryan, who is expected to make his Senate committee appointments Jan. 11. "It's been my privilege to serve in the Senate the past 13 years," Nunnelee told the Daily Journal. He also said he's been getting a lot of phone calls encouraging him to seek the U.S. House seat. "I'm evaluating my situation," he said, "but at this point I am seriously considering it." Nunnelee is likely to get a key Senate chairmanship from Bryant, probably the influential Finance Committee, which sets tax policy. But he said he wants to talk with Bryant soon so they can work together on whatever happens. Nunnelee said he will make his decision about the House race before Bryant's announcements.

Greg Davis, also a Republican, said he is organizing a campaign for the special election and will enter the Republican congressional primary, seeking a full, two-year term. "I first publicly expressed an interest about a week ago and I have had a meeting of my supporters," Davis said Monday. Davis, 41, served seven years in the Mississippi House of Representatives. He is a civil engineering graduate of Mississippi State University and was in the private sector before election as Southaven's full-time mayor in 1997. DeSoto County, with about 150,000 residents, is the most populous in the 1st District.

Former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough Jr. looks serious about the race. He said Sunday he's spoken with his wife about it and is weighing his options.

Democrats Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville and outgoing legislator Jamie Franks of Mooreville also say they're seriously interested.

Tupelo attorney and consultant Brad Prewitt, a former member of U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran's staff, said he is interested in running for the 1st District seat. "My problem is my wife and I are expecting twin sons in February, and I have to have a serious conversation with her about all of this."

And one more before Monday was over: Dr. Randy Russell, an Oxford eye doctor and long-time GOP activist, said he's close to getting in the race. "Opportunities like this don't come very often and you have to move quickly," he said.