Zata3 conducted a statewide survey of registered voters to gauge their opinions of four potential candidates in the special election to fill the unexpired term of Senator Trent Lott. Charlie Ross's numbers:
Very Favorable 6%
Somewhat Favorable 20%
Somewhat Unfavorable 18%
Very Unfavorable 9%
Not Enough Info To Form Opinion 48%
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Ross Wants House Not Senate
Charlie Ross takes himself out of Senate speculation: "State Sen. Charlie Ross of Brandon, who in August lost a GOP primary race for lieutenant governor, said he still intends to campaign for Pickering's position."
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Congress or Senate?
Charlie Ross has yet to "formally announce" his run for Chip Pickering's Congressional seat; but, he may now be considering Trent Lott's Senate seat. He is mentioned in the Sun Herald, Daily Journal, and CQ Politics.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Landrum's Town
Clarion Ledger: A town re-created: "Developer David Landrum and his team of consultants want to re-create Livingston, the town that served as Madison County's seat in the early 1800s. His initial plans call for a general store, farmers market, office building and chapel. From there, Landrum hopes to expand the development to include restaurants, specialty stores, offices, boutiques and, possibly, an inn, spa and tavern. Landrum said he hopes to break ground in January on a general store and a farmers' market near Livingston Church Road. 'We want to have them running by fall of next year,' he said. The stores will be locally run, and Landrum said he already has plans for who will operate them, though he would not disclose names. The general store will have gas pumps, and it will sell basic items such as bread and milk. 'This isn't going to be a convenience store,' Landrum said. 'This really is that old-time general store.'Landrum wants to kick off the grand opening of the first two stores at Livingston with a fall festival, he said. The next step of the project will be to build a new 'courthouse' that will serve as an office for Landrum and a meeting or banquet hall. A chapel for weddings also has been planned. Work on those buildings likely will begin next spring. After the first four buildings are completed, Landrum said he will begin work on additional buildings that will house restaurants, specialty shops, offices and similar businesses. While an alternate route could take some of the passing traffic away from his development, Landrum said he hopes an alternate route can be found so the rural and historical qualities of the Livingston area can be preserved. 'I think it would be beneficial to us, not hurt us,' he said. That's mostly because Landrum sees the development as being a destination place, rather than a site that relies on passing traffic. Over time, Landrum said he can see the development becoming a tourist attraction for the area, and he said he's happy to give Mississippians another place to 'get away' from the norm."
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Charlie Ross
Rankin Ledger: Two county pols eye Congress seat: "Political watchers can add at least two top Rankin County politicians to the list of potential GOP contenders. Gregg Harper, outgoing chair of the Rankin County Republican Party Executive Committee, announced last week that he will be entering the race. Longtime state Sen. Charlie Ross, who lost to Phil Bryant in the GOP primary for lieutenant governor, has also said he plans to run. Ross said he plans to run for the post, but said he would not elaborate until he makes an official announcement."
John Rounsaville
Meridian Star: Former Pickering aide Rounsaville announces District 3 candidacy: "Rounsaville, who began his career as an aide to Pickering and recently resigned his post as USDA Rural Development State Director, is running on a wholly conservative platform; 2nd amendment protection, immigration control, and pro-life concerns are just some of his top issues as congressional candidate. Like most Mississippi politicians, Rounsaville promises to work for new jobs, but says that he will be able to fulfill his promise through a focus on workforce training. 'I worked on workforce training reform with Gov. Barbour,' he said, '...and I know about the federal resources available.' Rounsaville, who places a strong emphasis on 'protecting our 2nd amendment rights,' says he does so because, '(The 2nd amendment) is always vulnerable, especially with Democrats in the ajority,' and 'It is highly valuable to (Mississippi sportsmen).' He is also for providing border control workers with any technologies that might help them with their jobs and for 'increased technologies that are going to result in alternative fuel sources.' Experience, he says, is his biggest asset, and he hopes, if elected, 'to build the kind of tenure and seniority (that is) everything for a small state like MIssissippi'."
WTOK: Former Pickering Aide to Announce Candidacy
Madison County Journal: In run for Congress, Madison's Rounsaville touts experience
Starkville Daily News: MSU alum throws hat into congressional race: "A former advisor to outgoing U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering, R-3rd District, and Gov. Haley Barbour on Wednesday touted his experience as a separating factor in the race to succeed Pickering. Rounsaville, a Madison Republican and a Mississippi State University graduate, stopped at the Oktibbeha County Courthouse as part of the first of an initial three-day tour to introduce himself as a candidate. 'I think this town (Starkville) is about to explode. We’ve just got to be patient. We’re going eventually to see development on the west side of the Golden Triangle,' he said. 'It’s important that Mississippi’s (Third) Congressional District has a representative that can hit the ground running when they get to Congress and not have to rely on staff to guide Mississippi’s priorities through the legislative process and through the federal bureaucracies. I have that experience and I know that I can put it to use to make sure that Mississippians have the influence they deserve in Congress,' Rounsaville said. He says he will work for an energy independent and secure Mississippi and nation, working to expand alternative energy by supporting MSU’s research efforts and the potential for agricultural and forestry communities to improve the availability and efficiency of alternative fuel sources."
The Reflector: Alumnus to run for seat in Congress: "Rounsaville said he believes he has much to offer the many areas of Mississippi and MSU, which is included in the 3rd Congressional District. 'I will be a staunch supporter of MSU and will support more federal research dollars to promote economic opportunities for the Golden Triangle [and MSU],' he said. If Rounsaville wins the seat, he would be the second congressman from MSU to hold the position since Sonny Montgomery, who served in the position from 1967 to 1996. 'MSU needs and deserves a seat at the table when decisions are being made because we are the state's largest university and provide a wealth of expertise,' Rounsaville said. Rounsaville has served alongside with U.S. Rep. Pickering and as deputy chief of staff and legislative director and also as Gov. Barbour's policy advisor."
Clarion Ledger: Rounsaville to run for 3rd Congressional District seat
WLBT: Rounsaville to Run for Pickering's Vacated Seat
Brookhaven Daily Leader: Rounsaville touts experience in bid to succeed Pickering
The Neshoba Democrat: Rounsaville, touting experience, running for congressional seat: "He most recently served as state director of the USDA Rural Development Agency. Prior to that he served as an advisor to U.S. Rep. Charles W. "Chip" Pickering. Jr., the man he is seeking to replace, and was a policy advisor to Gov. Haley R. Barbour. Rounsaville says that he plans to carry on the legacy of Pickering and the previous occupant, G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, particularly their strong military support for bases in Mississippi like the Naval Air Station at Meridian. Ronald Reagan is one of Rounsaville's political role models. His time in politics, including his five years in Pickering's office and as policy advisor to Barbour, is what will distinguish his candidacy, Rounsaville believes. 'I feel like having covered so many different policy areas, I'm the candidate that has something to offer everybody, whether it's agriculture and forestry issues, or economic development issues in small or larger areas,' Rounsaville said. At Rural Development, Rousaville managed a staff of 200 employees and a budget of nearly $220 million. As Gov. Barbour's policy advisor, he helped develop and pass workforce training reforms. He led an effort to rebuilt and expand water and wastewater infrastructure through South Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Rounsaville oversaw all legislative efforts and appropriations projects for the Third District as deputy chief of staff and legislative director for Pickering. 'For a small state like Mississippi with only four elected members of the House, we need that type of experience in Washington. We need somebody that can hit the ground running from day one. Someone who is not going to have to depend on a staff to get him through his first term,' he said. While he appreciates those immigrants who are legal and living the American dream, he noted that something had to be done with those who enter the country illegally and break the laws. 'The first thing we need to do is secure the border, stopping the bleeding,' he said. 'Second, we've got to provide a better verification system for employers so that in a relatively short period of time, they can check the status of a Social Security number or name and have a quick turn around on if a person is legal or not.' Rounsville said illegal immigration is a problem that has occurred over a 20-year period that wouldn't be solved overnight. 'It is something we have got to quit ignoring. We have ignored it too long,' he said."
WTOK: Former Pickering Aide to Announce Candidacy
Madison County Journal: In run for Congress, Madison's Rounsaville touts experience
Starkville Daily News: MSU alum throws hat into congressional race: "A former advisor to outgoing U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering, R-3rd District, and Gov. Haley Barbour on Wednesday touted his experience as a separating factor in the race to succeed Pickering. Rounsaville, a Madison Republican and a Mississippi State University graduate, stopped at the Oktibbeha County Courthouse as part of the first of an initial three-day tour to introduce himself as a candidate. 'I think this town (Starkville) is about to explode. We’ve just got to be patient. We’re going eventually to see development on the west side of the Golden Triangle,' he said. 'It’s important that Mississippi’s (Third) Congressional District has a representative that can hit the ground running when they get to Congress and not have to rely on staff to guide Mississippi’s priorities through the legislative process and through the federal bureaucracies. I have that experience and I know that I can put it to use to make sure that Mississippians have the influence they deserve in Congress,' Rounsaville said. He says he will work for an energy independent and secure Mississippi and nation, working to expand alternative energy by supporting MSU’s research efforts and the potential for agricultural and forestry communities to improve the availability and efficiency of alternative fuel sources."
The Reflector: Alumnus to run for seat in Congress: "Rounsaville said he believes he has much to offer the many areas of Mississippi and MSU, which is included in the 3rd Congressional District. 'I will be a staunch supporter of MSU and will support more federal research dollars to promote economic opportunities for the Golden Triangle [and MSU],' he said. If Rounsaville wins the seat, he would be the second congressman from MSU to hold the position since Sonny Montgomery, who served in the position from 1967 to 1996. 'MSU needs and deserves a seat at the table when decisions are being made because we are the state's largest university and provide a wealth of expertise,' Rounsaville said. Rounsaville has served alongside with U.S. Rep. Pickering and as deputy chief of staff and legislative director and also as Gov. Barbour's policy advisor."
Clarion Ledger: Rounsaville to run for 3rd Congressional District seat
WLBT: Rounsaville to Run for Pickering's Vacated Seat
Brookhaven Daily Leader: Rounsaville touts experience in bid to succeed Pickering
The Neshoba Democrat: Rounsaville, touting experience, running for congressional seat: "He most recently served as state director of the USDA Rural Development Agency. Prior to that he served as an advisor to U.S. Rep. Charles W. "Chip" Pickering. Jr., the man he is seeking to replace, and was a policy advisor to Gov. Haley R. Barbour. Rounsaville says that he plans to carry on the legacy of Pickering and the previous occupant, G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, particularly their strong military support for bases in Mississippi like the Naval Air Station at Meridian. Ronald Reagan is one of Rounsaville's political role models. His time in politics, including his five years in Pickering's office and as policy advisor to Barbour, is what will distinguish his candidacy, Rounsaville believes. 'I feel like having covered so many different policy areas, I'm the candidate that has something to offer everybody, whether it's agriculture and forestry issues, or economic development issues in small or larger areas,' Rounsaville said. At Rural Development, Rousaville managed a staff of 200 employees and a budget of nearly $220 million. As Gov. Barbour's policy advisor, he helped develop and pass workforce training reforms. He led an effort to rebuilt and expand water and wastewater infrastructure through South Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Rounsaville oversaw all legislative efforts and appropriations projects for the Third District as deputy chief of staff and legislative director for Pickering. 'For a small state like Mississippi with only four elected members of the House, we need that type of experience in Washington. We need somebody that can hit the ground running from day one. Someone who is not going to have to depend on a staff to get him through his first term,' he said. While he appreciates those immigrants who are legal and living the American dream, he noted that something had to be done with those who enter the country illegally and break the laws. 'The first thing we need to do is secure the border, stopping the bleeding,' he said. 'Second, we've got to provide a better verification system for employers so that in a relatively short period of time, they can check the status of a Social Security number or name and have a quick turn around on if a person is legal or not.' Rounsville said illegal immigration is a problem that has occurred over a 20-year period that wouldn't be solved overnight. 'It is something we have got to quit ignoring. We have ignored it too long,' he said."
David Landrum
Clarion Ledger: Madison businessman plans run for Pickering's seat
AP: Landrum announces candidacy for 3rd District: "David Landrum held a news conference Thursday at the Mississippi Republican Party headquarters in Jackson to announce his candidacy. 'I am here today, not as a lawyer, not as a politician, and not as a bureaucrat, but as a small-town Mississippian who knows what it takes to start and grow a small business, keep a budget, make a payroll and create jobs,' Landrum said in a news release."
WLBT: Landrum Enters Race for Pickering's Seat: "Landrum says he plans to fight for lower taxes for families and small business. He wants to supply our military with better equipment. And Landrum says he opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants and favors securing our borders. Introduced by his wife of 29 years, Landrum told family and supporters it was time Mississippi values are represented in Washington. 'I do not believe that Nancy Pelosi represents Mississippi's values,' Landrum said. 'With your support I will go to congress and I'll make sure our values are not compromised or forgotten.' A native of Jones County, Landrum currently lives in Madison County and owns a business."
YouTube: David Landrum and Primerica
Laurel Leader Call: Landrum makes Congressional bid: "Republican David Landrum, a Laurel native and a resident of Madison for the past 22 years, announced Thursday he is a candidate for the U. S. House of Representatives’ Third Congressional District, which includes Jones County. He made the announcement at Landrum Country Village, owned by his parents, in the Tucker’s Crossing Community. Landrum enlisted in the U. S. Army after high school, and served two years as a military policeman in Georgia and one year in Germany. He finished Jones County Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi, working his way through college and on the GI Bill. He began work with a company out of Georgia which became Primerica Corp., part of Citi Group. 'The thing that we feel like we can bring to the table is more common sense and business leadership to Washington. I’m not an expert policy, but to me it’s about leadership.' Other areas of focus for Landrum will include economic development, border security, conservative values, sanctity of life and second amendment rights. He also opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants. 'We’re a country of immigrants who came into this country, but we did it the right way,' he said."
AP: Landrum announces candidacy for 3rd District: "David Landrum held a news conference Thursday at the Mississippi Republican Party headquarters in Jackson to announce his candidacy. 'I am here today, not as a lawyer, not as a politician, and not as a bureaucrat, but as a small-town Mississippian who knows what it takes to start and grow a small business, keep a budget, make a payroll and create jobs,' Landrum said in a news release."
WLBT: Landrum Enters Race for Pickering's Seat: "Landrum says he plans to fight for lower taxes for families and small business. He wants to supply our military with better equipment. And Landrum says he opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants and favors securing our borders. Introduced by his wife of 29 years, Landrum told family and supporters it was time Mississippi values are represented in Washington. 'I do not believe that Nancy Pelosi represents Mississippi's values,' Landrum said. 'With your support I will go to congress and I'll make sure our values are not compromised or forgotten.' A native of Jones County, Landrum currently lives in Madison County and owns a business."
YouTube: David Landrum and Primerica
Laurel Leader Call: Landrum makes Congressional bid: "Republican David Landrum, a Laurel native and a resident of Madison for the past 22 years, announced Thursday he is a candidate for the U. S. House of Representatives’ Third Congressional District, which includes Jones County. He made the announcement at Landrum Country Village, owned by his parents, in the Tucker’s Crossing Community. Landrum enlisted in the U. S. Army after high school, and served two years as a military policeman in Georgia and one year in Germany. He finished Jones County Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi, working his way through college and on the GI Bill. He began work with a company out of Georgia which became Primerica Corp., part of Citi Group. 'The thing that we feel like we can bring to the table is more common sense and business leadership to Washington. I’m not an expert policy, but to me it’s about leadership.' Other areas of focus for Landrum will include economic development, border security, conservative values, sanctity of life and second amendment rights. He also opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants. 'We’re a country of immigrants who came into this country, but we did it the right way,' he said."
General Reports
Y'all Politics: Congressional Race Developing in Mississippi's 3rd District
Sid Salter: Mississippi's 2008 congressional campaigns launching today: "Chip Pickering of Flora is stepping down after six terms in office at the end of his current term. As it was when the late 3rd District U.S. Rep. Sonny Montgomery stepped down in 1996, expect a relatively large Republican primary. Pickering was one of nine candidates seeking to succeed Montgomery. In all, 12 candidates sought the seat Montgomery was vacating in a 1996 race that eventually came down to a general election showdown between Pickering and a young trial lawyer named John Arthur Eaves Jr. In 2008, the GOP is again expected to be crowded for the open 3rd District seat. Possible Republican contenders include longtime Rankin County GOP chairman Gregg Harper, a Brandon attorney; state Sen. Charlie Ross of Brandon, fresh off a tough GOP lieutenant governor primary with Phil Bryant; former U.S. Rural Development Authority state director John Rounsaville; Madison businessman David Landrum; and state Sen. Walter Michel of Jackson. What's missing in a lot of the speculation over a successor to Pickering is a long list of Democratic Party contenders in a district that is believed to favor Republicans. The most mentioned name in Democratic circles is former 4th District U.S. Rep. Ronnie Shows, the man Pickering dispatched in their 2002 showdown after congressional redistricting gave Shows the short end of the straw in much of his former district."
CQ Politics: In Mississippi, Republicans Competing to Replace Pickering
Hastings Wyman: Congressional Race Developing in Mississippi's 3rd District: "The district has a strong Republican tilt -- Bush carried it by 65% in 2004 and 64% in 2000 -- so more GOPers are likely to run. For the GOP, Gregg Harper, chairman of the Rankin County Republican Party, announced this week, as did John Rounsaville, the state director of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Office. Rounsaville, 33, a former aide to Pickering, has been to Washington, DC, to meet-and-greet with potential contributors. Businessman David Landrum is expected to announce any day now. State Sen. Charlie Ross, an unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor this year, is likely to announce soon. For the Democrats, the most prominent prospective contender is former Congressman Ronnie Shows, who represented most of the district before the last reapportionment. Shows lost to Pickering by 64% to 35% in 2002."
Y'all Politics: Contenders and Pretenders in Scramble for MS-03
Sid Salter: Mississippi's 2008 congressional campaigns launching today: "Chip Pickering of Flora is stepping down after six terms in office at the end of his current term. As it was when the late 3rd District U.S. Rep. Sonny Montgomery stepped down in 1996, expect a relatively large Republican primary. Pickering was one of nine candidates seeking to succeed Montgomery. In all, 12 candidates sought the seat Montgomery was vacating in a 1996 race that eventually came down to a general election showdown between Pickering and a young trial lawyer named John Arthur Eaves Jr. In 2008, the GOP is again expected to be crowded for the open 3rd District seat. Possible Republican contenders include longtime Rankin County GOP chairman Gregg Harper, a Brandon attorney; state Sen. Charlie Ross of Brandon, fresh off a tough GOP lieutenant governor primary with Phil Bryant; former U.S. Rural Development Authority state director John Rounsaville; Madison businessman David Landrum; and state Sen. Walter Michel of Jackson. What's missing in a lot of the speculation over a successor to Pickering is a long list of Democratic Party contenders in a district that is believed to favor Republicans. The most mentioned name in Democratic circles is former 4th District U.S. Rep. Ronnie Shows, the man Pickering dispatched in their 2002 showdown after congressional redistricting gave Shows the short end of the straw in much of his former district."
CQ Politics: In Mississippi, Republicans Competing to Replace Pickering
Hastings Wyman: Congressional Race Developing in Mississippi's 3rd District: "The district has a strong Republican tilt -- Bush carried it by 65% in 2004 and 64% in 2000 -- so more GOPers are likely to run. For the GOP, Gregg Harper, chairman of the Rankin County Republican Party, announced this week, as did John Rounsaville, the state director of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Office. Rounsaville, 33, a former aide to Pickering, has been to Washington, DC, to meet-and-greet with potential contributors. Businessman David Landrum is expected to announce any day now. State Sen. Charlie Ross, an unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor this year, is likely to announce soon. For the Democrats, the most prominent prospective contender is former Congressman Ronnie Shows, who represented most of the district before the last reapportionment. Shows lost to Pickering by 64% to 35% in 2002."
Y'all Politics: Contenders and Pretenders in Scramble for MS-03
Gregg Harper
WJTV: Harper to Run for Congress: "A Pearl attorney plans to run for Chip Pickering's Congressional seat..."
WLBT: Attorney Joins Race for Pickering's Seat: "A Rankin County man is vying for Chip Pickering's congressional seat. Harper was surrounded by supporters at the Rankin County Justice Center in Brandon. He is active in Republican party politics and says he wants to restore conservative values. Harper works at his private law practice in Pearl."
Clarion Ledger: Rankin Republican to announce run for Congress: "Harper has been active in Republican Party politics for years, having served as a delegate to the last two Republican National Conventions. He is a member of the State Republican Executive Committee and has served for 7 1/2 years as chairman of the Rankin County Republican Executive Committee. He served as the Rankin County chair for Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck in 2003 and the Get Out the Vote Chairman for Rankin County in the 2007 general election."
WLBT: Attorney Joins Race for Pickering's Seat: "A Rankin County man is vying for Chip Pickering's congressional seat. Harper was surrounded by supporters at the Rankin County Justice Center in Brandon. He is active in Republican party politics and says he wants to restore conservative values. Harper works at his private law practice in Pearl."
Clarion Ledger: Rankin Republican to announce run for Congress: "Harper has been active in Republican Party politics for years, having served as a delegate to the last two Republican National Conventions. He is a member of the State Republican Executive Committee and has served for 7 1/2 years as chairman of the Rankin County Republican Executive Committee. He served as the Rankin County chair for Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck in 2003 and the Get Out the Vote Chairman for Rankin County in the 2007 general election."
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