Debate ya at Hinds

Last night, six candidates participated in the Stennis Debate in Rankin County at Hinds Community College. The debate was moderated by Sid Salter and panelists included journalists from WAPT, Jackson Free Press, Rankin Ledger as well as Marty Wiseman from the Stennis Institute. Republicans David Landrum and Gregg Harper did not attend, they were at a Madison County Republican Party fundraiser. Democrat Randy Eads did not attend, he was studying for the Bar Exam.

---

WAPT Video: Opening Statements

WAPT Video: Candidates Discuss Issues Facing Nation and State

---

WLBT Video: Candidates for Third Congressional District Face Off

WLBT - 3rd-District Candidates Gather for Debate - Questions from a panel covered such topics as potential war with Iran, immigration reform, and Jackson flood control.

"I bring you an interesting blend of both technomics and both elected experience," said Joel Gill, a Democrat. "It's not as extensive as experience in Washington or experience in the state legislature. It is still experience."

"This race boils down to experience, and I believe my ten-year track record of public service to Mississippi both in Washington, D.C., and our state capitol best qualifies me to serve," said Joun Rounsaville, a Republican.

"If you want to know what type of congressman I'm going to be, look at what I've done," said Republican Charlie Ross. "I can say that because I have a record of performance that I'm proud of."

---

WJTV - MS Third District Candidates Debate Issues - Six of the nine candidates vying for Mississippi's Third Congressional District seat took part in a debate three weeks before the March 11 primary election. The issues discussed ranged from controlling illegal immigration, to education, economic development and to ending congressional earmarks. About 60 spectators attended the debate.

---

Clarion Ledger - Debate highlights candidates' platforms - Although George Wynne Hall was only half full Monday night, there was no shortage of big ideas from six men seeking to replace retiring Rep. Chip Pickering. A few candidates were noticeably absent: Republicans Gregg Harper of Pearl and David Landrum of Madison County and Democrat Randy Eads of Starkville.

If elected, Joel Gill, a livestock broker, said he would have "an open ear, an open mind and an open heart." On the issue of education, he said he would rid schools of No Child Left Behind if given the chance, based on conversations with local school superintendents. "It just doesn't work," he said. "Teachers that I've spoken to in the district say it concentrates too much on individualized teaching. It's wrong and unworkable."

John Rounsaville said the race is only about one thing: Experience. "It's about who can do the best job on Day 1," the former Pickering staffer said. Later he pointed out that expanding the district's infrastructure should be paramount.

Charlie Ross, no stranger to political combat as a state senator and former lieutenant governor candidate, said he is running because of his love of public service. "Don't listen to what I say," he said during his opening statement. "Look at what I've done." On the subject of wiretapping, Ross said: "We're a nation at war, and it is important to keep tabs on the American public." Later, he said Congress might want to revisit the issue, pointing out that when President Bush used the tactic the nation was at a "time of ambiguity."

---

Y'all Politics - Rounsaville Comments on Last Night’s Debate - Danny O’Driscoll, a spokesman for Rounsaville, said, “John Rounsaville again made the case for why he is the most experienced conservative choice voters have in the upcoming primary election on March 11th. His decade of experience as a senior aide to Governor Barbour and Congressman Pickering has clearly prepared him to best take on the challenging issues that will face our next Congressman. There was only one other candidate that stood out tonight and that was David Landrum,” continued O’Driscoll. “While John Rounsaville was taking his positions directly to Mississippi voters, David Landrum again refused to show up at a debate. If he doesn’t have enough confidence to debate here in Mississippi, can we really believe that he’ll take on Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in Congress?”