Candidates on the races so far

Clarion Ledger: "GOP appears determined to hold congressional seat dates" - "'After the statewide election, we hit the ground running and we've tried to run an aggressive campaign since,' said David Landrum, 52, a Republican candidate. The Madison County businessman said he's already garnered about $400,000 in contributions, holding his first fund-raising event a week after the Nov. 6 polls closed. 'When you look at 27 counties and 700,000 people, that's a lot of people you need to touch before the primaries,' he said.

With 90 days before voters head to the polls, state Sen. Charlie Ross agrees that getting organized quickly is important. 'We are aware this is the Christmas season, but as soon as it ends, we're prepared to go into high gear,' said Ross, 51, a Republican candidate. The Brandon resident and lawyer wouldn't share how much money he's raised so far, saying only that his team is 'pulling together the resources to run a successful campaign.'

Republican candidate John Rounsaville agrees things likely will heat up in January. 'There are a lot of other exciting things happening right now, so there hasn't been a lot of attention on this race,' said Rounsaville, 33, former U.S. Rural Development Authority state director. 'We're going to continue what we've been doing - campaigning across the district and holding fundraisers.' Rounsaville, a Madison resident who once served as an adviser on Pickering's staff, also wouldn't say how much money his campaign has raised.

During the holidays, GOP contender Gregg Harper said, he will continue reaching out to supporters 'fairly privately.' 'It appeared to us that people were just absolutely beat down ... after the statewide elections,' said Harper, an attorney from Pearl. As the former chairman of the Rankin County Republican Party, Harper said he was worn out, too. 'During that time, I didn't have the luxury of working on my own things because I was working on everybody else's,' he said.

For the Democrats, Pickens Alderman Joel Gill has been the only person to qualify. Gill, who has not publicly announced his bid, said he's not worried about GOP competition until after the primary. 'Even after that, I'm not going to be winning anything with glitz or fanfare,' said Gill, 56, a livestock dealer. 'All of my votes are going to come with all the people I've worked with over the years.' Gill, who lives outside of the district, said at this point, his campaign team is looking for more fund-raising opportunities. Candidates do not have to live in the district in order to qualify for the seat.

State Democratic Party spokesman Terry Cassreino said there was more immediate interest from the Republicans because the incumbent was a member of the GOP. 'There is still a lot of time before the qualifying deadline, and I would expect more (Democrats) to come forward after the first of the year,' he said. 'We've got a pretty good shot at that race and we're going to make it competitive.'"