Rounsaville Campaign Email

Dear Friends,

This week all Third District candidates were required to release their campaign finance reports, and I am very proud to report that we raised nearly $150,000 in the final months of last year. Compared to the other campaigns, we are in second place with regard to both the amount raised and dollars on hand. This is very exciting news. Our fundraising efforts have continued to remain strong, and we’ve gained even more momentum over the past month. These great results were only possible because of your kindness and generosity, and I sincerely appreciate the support we have received.

We’ve had a busy and productive week on the campaign trail. On Monday, we campaigned in Starkville and on the MSU campus meeting with individuals and groups. We ended the day with a Meet and Greet fundraiser in town, and the turnout for the event was absolutely outstanding. I spoke about the importance of economic development in the Third District and how we need a Congressman who knows the federal government and can work with communities to help develop infrastructure and workforce training capacities to attract new jobs. The recent successes of the Golden Triangle are impressive, and with Mississippi State’s capabilities and expertise, the region will continue to have abundant opportunities for hi-tech industrial growth which will complement the area’s robust retail sector.

On Tuesday, we campaigned in Jackson and Rankin County and then attended a Meet and Greet fundraiser in Newton at Zack Garvin’s Original Steakhouse. The food was great and so was the company. A theme I discussed with our Newton supporters was how Mississippi is losing a great deal of seniority in the House of Representatives this year. To me, this race marks a critical opportunity to begin rebuilding that seniority. Our state has a tradition of electing experienced young people to the House because we realized long ago that seniority in Congress is how to maximize power on Capitol Hill. Because we’re a small state, we’ve achieved tremendous influence over the years by electing our representatives young and keeping them in Congress for decades.

I attended a candidates’ forum on Wednesday at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison. St. Catherine’s is a beautiful retirement community, and we had the opportunity to visit with over 100 voters. I answered questions about how to keep our economy strong, assure energy independence, and solve our current crisis with illegal immigration.

It was great to visit with so many old friends at Mississippi Farm Bureau’s Legislative reception Thursday night and a charitable auction with the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association on Friday night. I began my career on Capitol Hill handling agriculture and forestry issues for Congressman Chip Pickering which helped me develop close ties to both these organizations. Agriculture will remain a cornerstone of the Mississippi economy, and if elected, I hope to continue working to promote agricultural interests in Washington. As agriculture evolves, it is not only critical to our supply of food and fiber, but the industry will be a key component of addressing our nation’s energy needs.

We spent Friday campaigning in Meridian and East Mississippi. As a result of my time on Capitol Hill with Chip Pickering, I’ve spent many years working with this region of our district. East Mississippi has a lot to be proud of, including a revitalized downtown in Meridian, new job growth, and a strong and patriotic community due to the presence of NAS Meridian and Key Field.

Our army of volunteers worked throughout the district this weekend campaigning door to door and delivering yard signs. After visiting with Rankin County voters early Saturday morning, Laura and I travelled to Starkville and attended several events on the MSU campus before joining our volunteers for some afternoon campaigning. I was surprised by how many of my old professors and friends I encountered as we campaigned door to door throughout Starkville neighborhoods. After the MSU basketball game Saturday evening, we finally made our way back home. When I finished Air Guard drill on Sunday afternoon, Laura and I decided to forgo attending any Super Bowl parties and instead spent some quiet time alone watching the game at home. It was a very welcome break.

This week we’ll be back on the road travelling the district, continuing to work hard and spread our message to voters. Election Day is now just five weeks away, and we are proud of the organization we have built. Thank you for your continued support, and we hope to see you soon.

Yours Truly,
John