Rounsaville, Ross, Marcy in Starkville

Commercial Dispatch - 3rd Congressional District candidates gear up for Tuesday at MSU - Some touted their experience in Jackson. Another his experience in Washington. Still another candidate pointed to his background in security as the credentials he would bring to the forefront as Mississippi's next congressman representing the 3rd Congressional District.

“Charlie Ross is going to be the same in Washington as he is in Jackson,” said Ross, a former state representative and senator, and Republican who's running for Chip Pickering's open seat in the 3rd Congressional District. “I've been to the plate a few times,” added Ross, remarking on his experience and record Wednesday afternoon at Mississippi State University as the candidates participated in an afternoon of stump speeches and meeting supporters in the Oktibbeha County area.

John Rounsaville, 32, and a Republican who has worked in the administrations of both Haley Barbour and Chip Pickering pointed to his youth and familiarity with Washington as his top credentials to being chosen in Tuesday's primary. “I'm going to be a strong conservative vote. You can count on that. But I also know my way around Washington,” said Rounsaville, an MSU alum who was recently appointed to the office of U.S. Department of Agriculture in rural development and community infrastructure. Rounsaville also pointed out Mississippi's long tradition of sending young people like Chip Pickering - who was in his early 30s when elected - Trent Lott or Thad Cochran to Washington and having them develop seniority. “It takes decades to build up that seniority and become a Sonny Montgomery or a Trent Lott or a Thad Cochran,” said Rounsaville to a meager crowd in a Union meeting room of only about two dozen, who were primarily Republicans. “Mississippi has derived power through seniority,” added Rounsaville.

Another Republican, Bill Marcy, of Meridian, is putting national defense and what he sees as a real threat of growing Islamic militancy as a top concern to tackle in Washington. “How many other groups of 19 are out there?” asked Marcy, reminding voters of the 19 terrorists who participated in the Sept. 11 attacks nearly seven years ago.

“I do feel like people are beginning to tune in,” said Sharon Ross, wife of Charlie Ross, remarking that the Democrats through Presidential candidates like Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have generated much excitement for their voters, but Republicans have been more subdued this election season.

“I came here with an open mind,” said Sean Galligan, of Kosciusko, and an MSU junior studying risk management, insurance and financial planning. “But I'm leaning toward John Rounsaville.”