Ross Announcement

Rankin Ledger: "Sen. Ross announces bid for Pickering post" - "Upon hearing in August that Pickering would not be running for re-election, state Sen. Charlie Ross decided to add his name to the ballot. 'I was shocked and surprised that Chip decided not to run again,' Ross said, adding that he had not seriously considering running for the seat until recently. Ross, who was defeated in August by State Auditor Phil Bryant in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor, likely will face a crowded field of GOP hopefuls for the spot. Ross said whoever wins the seat will have big shoes to fill after Pickering's six terms in office. 'I feel it's important that we elect someone that can hit the ground running,' he said. Ross said he'll be running on a conservative platform, opposing abortion and supporting the war in Iraq. He opposes government funding of stem cell research and wants to re-evaluate and alter the Social Security program. He also wants to see infrastructure improvements in the Third District to help the area keep up with its growth."