Mississippi Third Congressional District Blog

New Blog

2009-02-13T15:25:00.001-06:00

This blog and the First District Blog will be combining into a new Mississippi Congress Blog that will post on all four districts. All old posts and comments will be moved as well.

Harper on Stimulus Package

2009-02-09T09:55:00.002-06:00

Congressman Gregg Harper wrote in Saturday's Clarion Ledger why he voted against the Stimulus Package.

Last week, I joined 177 Republicans and 11 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives in opposing the economic stimulus package rushed to the floor by the liberal Democratic leadership.

This bill bypassed the standard committee process. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., forced this bill to the floor without time for the House of Representatives and you, the voters, to have a full understanding of exactly what is hidden within the 647 pages of a bill that would ultimately cost taxpayers nearly $1.2 trillion in new federal government debt.

Not only does this legislation expand numerous federal programs, it creates 32 new government programs. During a time when Americans are losing jobs and small businesses are struggling to stay afloat, we should not expand a federal government that is already too large.

I joined House Republicans in supporting an alternative plan that would create double the number of jobs at half the cost. However, the Republican plan was defeated on the House floor.

As I have said before, the American people know we cannot borrow and spend our way back to prosperity.

It encouraged David M. Caballero of Jackson to respond with a letter-to-the-editor.

Third District U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper listed on his Web site a few reasons why he voted against the stimulus bill.

Let me list the items he forgot to mention: $153 billion to help states provide medical care; $103 billion to repair roads, bridges, and waterlines; $159 billion in educational grants so our children can afford college; and $275 billion in tax cuts.

Did Harper forget Mississippi? We desperately need help with our medical system (annually ranked one of the worst in the nation); our roads, even in the capital, are a disgrace; our children are unable to afford college because of low-paying jobs and increasing tuition.

Rep. Harper ran on new leadership but he is just more of the same Bush-style incompetence. Even though 33 percent of the stimulus bill is tax cuts, Harper won't accept it. If he cannot have his 100 percent tax cuts, then the people get nothing.

He threatens us with poverty and depression unless he has it his way.

I have a suspicion that David M. Caballero did not vote for Gregg Harper before this anyway. But that's just me.

Conservative Divide: Childers-Thompson / Harper-Taylor

2009-02-02T11:22:00.000-06:00

In the first defining vote of the year, Bennie Thompson (D) and Travis Childers (D) voted for the trillion dollar deficit stimulus package; Gene Taylor (D) and Gregg Harper (R) voted against it. Zero Republicans in the House of Representatives voted for H.R. 1, and 11 conservative Democrats joined the GOP in voting against it.

Taylor had some choice words on Obama's trillion dollar deficit, "President Obama ran on change. This isn't change. George Bush during the height of the war cut taxes, increased spending, doubled the national debt on his watch. And this is just more of the same, in my opinion...This is nuts."

Childers said he "teetered" with his vote, "Here's what just pushed me I guess, and I don't mind telling you, I really kind of teetered for the last couple of days on this. But this is what just finally made me vote for it. Number one, it's not a finished product. It goes over to the Senate. I hope they can take the bill and perfect it. I hope they can make it better at least."

Harper was more direct, "I wish Congress would open their eyes to the wasteful government spending that is contained in this bill and that will drive the country further into debt. The American people know we cannot borrow and spend our way back to prosperity."

Meridian Q&A With Harper

2009-01-26T17:20:00.003-06:00

The Meridian Star recently interviewed Gregg Harper.

The Star: Do you plan a home in Washington, or will you be commuting?

Harper: "I'm definitely a commuter. The plan right now is to fly in on Monday and fly back either late Thursday or sometime Friday. Then, on the weekends, I'll be working from home. But it's important that I make time for my family. That is a must."

The Star: What is the most important piece of legislation Congress is dealing with at this time?

Harper: "One of them is the SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program) that we voted on last week. (The legislation is a $31.5 billion measure to expand the program for another 4 1/2 years). I support the reauthorization of SCHIP, but the version that the liberal Democrats put forward so expanded the program — took it from $30 billion to $65 billion — and will now cover folks that make close to $80,000 a year, and adults. The thing that bothered me the most is that they're saying $5 billion of that will go to provide benefits to illegals. It also removes the face-to-face meeting, which absolutely opens the program to fraud. We have to remember that this was a Republican-led bill more than a decade ago as part of the Welfare Reform Act.

It was a very good concept to take those on welfare and prepare them for the workforce. And it's now, as most government programs do, grown into something too big.

The Star: What is the most pressing issue that your constituency will be facing in the coming year that you hope to address?

Harper: "Most of our folks back home — yes there were foreclosures and lost jobs — but most were doing OK until $4 a gallon of gas. That hurt our students, our low income folks, our seniors ... and we haven't fixed it. We're already seeing it inch back up. We've done absolutely nothing to fix it. We have some folks over here in government policy positions and their goal is the reduction and use of fossil fuels. They have a micro goal when they should have an overall goal that includes some control that allows us to drill offshore and any place when can get natural gas ... and things like clean coal technology in Kemper County. And we have to explore nuclear. We should be about anything that keeps us from sending our nation's wealth to the Middle East or other foreign countries. I just don't think we can afford going back to $4 gas. We've got to fix that."

Harper on Budget Committee

2009-01-19T13:25:00.002-06:00

From a Harper release:

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-MS) was appointed by the Steering Committee Thursday to the Committee on the Budget earning his third committee seat for the 111th Congress pending Conference approval. This prestigious committee sets guidelines in the annual budget resolution for monitoring federal programs to meet spending projections.

"I am excited to welcome Congressman Gregg Harper as the newest member of the House Budget Committee," said Ranking Republican Member Paul Ryan (WI-01). "In coming to grips with a deepening recession and a soaring budget deficit, his commitment to fiscal discipline and pro-growth economic policies will be an asset to this committee and to this nation."

"I am honored to join Congressman Ryan and I look forward to working with the members of the committee as we tackle the huge task of controlling the federal budget," said Congressman Harper. "In these times of economic uncertainty, the American people know we cannot borrow and spend our way back to prosperity and I plan to follow these conservative principles as a member of this committee."

The Committee on the Budget was established during a time of overwhelming budget deficits when Congress faced increasing challenges of managing long-term programs, such as Social Security and Medicare. The committee is the first panel to review the President's annual budget message and is responsible for the adoption of a draft budget resolution.

Congressman Harper is the only Republican freshman appointed by Republican Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) to the Committee on House Administration and also sits on the Committee on Judiciary. As a member of the Republican Steering Committee, he is been responsible for assisting in the placement of committee appointments for all 435 members of the House among other leadership responsibilities.

This esteemed committee appointment concludes Congressman Harper's committee assignments for the 111th Congress.

Harper on Judiciary, House Administration Coms

2009-01-09T17:11:00.001-06:00

WTOK reporting

Cong. Gregg Harper has been appointed to the House Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on House Administration for the 111th Congress. “As the Republican representative on the Steering Committee, I worked hard to get the other freshman Republicans the best committee assignments possible,” said Harper. “I am very thankful for their cooperation and am pleased with the placement I have received from the Committee as well.”

Harper Announces Staff

2008-12-13T06:12:00.000-06:00

Madison County Herald - Harper names staff members

Washington, D.C. Staff:

Michael Cravens, Chief of Staff
A native of Louisville, Cravens will serve as Congressman-elect Harper’s Chief of Staff from the Washington, D.C. office. An Eagle Scout, he has a bachelor of science degree in Computer Science from the University of Mississippi. Michael has spent the last twenty-three years in communications and marketing and is owner and president of Eagle Communications, a communications, public relations and marketing firm. He directed the Mississippi Senate Campaign of Sen.Giles Ward in 2007, has volunteered in political campaigns since 1976, and most recently directed the campaign of Congressman-elect Harper.

Sharon Johnson, Deputy Chief of Staff
Originally from Louisville, she has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Jackson State University. She has worked for both of Mississippi's previous two Third Congressional District Representatives, serving the last 12 years as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Chip Pickering, and prior to that, served for nine years as the Office Manager for the late Congressman G. V. "Sonny" Montgomery. Previously she was the deputy city clerk for the City of Louisville.

Scot Malvaney, Policy Director
Most recently, he was policy director for Mississippi's Lt. Governor Phil Bryant. He was the Legislative Director to former Congressman Mike Parker for eight years, served as Parker’s Chief of Staff, was a federal lobbyist for two years, was a Special Assistant for the U.S. Department of the Army, and prior to that served as a Public Affairs Advisor for seven years. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the South.

Adam Buckalew, Communications Director and Legislative Assistant
A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Speech Communications, he most recently served as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Mississippi's Lt. Governor Phil Bryant. He was also the Statewide Field Director for Bryant's campaign in 2007.

Jordan Downs, Special Assistant to the Congressman and Legislative Assistant
Jordan resides in Pearl, Mississippi. He obtained his Political Science degree from the University of Mississippi in May of 2008. He most recently served as the Communications Director for Congressman-elect Harper's political campaign. Jordan is an Eagle Scout.

Ty Mabry, Military Legislative Assistant
Ty currently resides in Washington D.C. where he most recently served as Congressman Chip Pickering's Military Legislative Assistant. He attended Mississippi State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

Emily Penn, Executive Assistant
Penn resides in Washington, D.C. and is originally from Jackson, Mississippi. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Mississippi. Emily most recently worked as a receptionist and staff assistant for the National Republican Congressional Committee and interned with the Energy and Commerce Committee in 2007.

Mississippi/District Office Staff:

Chip Reynolds, District Director
Reynolds will serve as Congressman-elect’s district director, overseeing all aspects of the District Offices and constituent services. With a bachelor of arts degree and master of arts degree from the University of Mississippi, Chip has an extensive background in education and politics. His previous work experience includes serving as an Instructor of Political Science for 25 years at Hinds Community College, periodic adjunct professor – Mississippi College, and Campaign Director for Senator Trent Lott’s re-election campaigns in 1994 and 2000. He also served for five years as field representative for Senator Lott’s official Senate staff. He is a former Political Director of the Mississippi Republican Party, Aide de Camp to Congressman Chip Pickering in his 2002 campaign, Campaign Director for Lt. Governor Amy Tuck in 2003, Campaign Director for Lt. Governor Phil Bryant’s campaign in 2007, and General Consultant for the Gregg Harper for Congress campaign in 2008. He lives in Clinton.

Stanley Shows, Special Assistant for Constituent Services
Serving as Rep. Chip Pickering’s district director for the past 11 years, Stanley holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University. He lives in Brandon, . Stanley will continue working throughout the Third Congressional District with an emphasis on assisting institutions of higher learning.

Marcy Thoms Scoggins, Director of Scheduling
A native of Richton, she has served over the past 10 years as director of scheduling for Rep. Chip Pickering. Prior to that, she served on the staff of Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott as the Assistant Scheduler for two years. She is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Business degree. She currently lives in Madison.

Mary Margaret Myers, Director of Constituent Services
Myers worked for Rep. Chip Pickering in constituent services for the past four and a half years. She worked at Skytel in marketing for three years, at the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas in special events and fundraising for three years, and for the late Congressman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery for three years. She has a bachelor of arts and a masters of arts in English from Mississippi State University, and is a resident of Jackson.

Keith Plunkett, Special Assistant for Constituent Services
The former editor and publisher of the Flora Harvester and Flora Harvester Online, Plunkett has experience as a business owner and is a freelance writer and photographer, his works appearing in local and regional publications. He lives in Flora.

Larry Wert, Special Assistant for Military & Veterans Affairs
A native of State College, Pa., Wert has a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Pennsylvania State University. He is a disabled Vietnam veteran, and a Naval aviator having served eight years in the United States Marine Corps. Most recently, he retired from L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Mississippi, where he was director of labor relations. He is a resident of Brandon.

Evan Gardner, District Field Representative & Constituent Services
A native and current resident of Brandon and an Eagle Scout, Gardner is a graduate of Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Science degree in History and a minor in Political Science. Prior to joining Congressman-elect Harper’s Congressional Staff, Evan served as Deputy Campaign Director for the Gregg Harper for Congress campaign and on Congressman-elect Harper’s Transition Team.

Joe Phillips, Special Assistant for Constituent Services
A lifelong resident of Jackson, Phillips worked for Rep. Chip Pickering from 1997 to 2008. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, He has also worked in several political campaigns and in advertising sales in the Jackson area.

Steve Guyton, Military Academies and Youth Services
A native of Kosciusko, Mississippi, Guyton is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Journalism. He served with former Fourth District Rep. Mike Parker for 10 years working on Military Academy issues and assisting high school students with their admissions process to the United States military academies. He has also worked for Congressman Chip Pickering and Senator Roger Wicker on Military Academy issues and appointments.

Hank Moseley, Special Assistant for Constituent Services
Moseley has served for the past twelve years in Congressman Chip Pickering’s Starkville office. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1951 with a Business Degree. He lives in Starkville.

Lynn Compton, Special Assistant for Constituent Services
Compton has worked in constituent services for Congressman Chip Pickering for the past 12 years. She attended Mississippi State University, and currently lives in Meridian.

Sally Wilkinson, Special Assistant for Constituent Services
Wilkinson worked for Congressman Chip Pickering for the past year and a half in constituent services. She has previously worked for Internal Engine Parts Group, Barham Funeral Home, and Dr. Dan R. Thornton, III. She attended Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University. She lives in Meridian.

Kyle Jordan, Special Assistant & College Intern
Jordan is currently enrolled at Hinds Community College’s Rankin Campus as a Political Science major. He worked for Congressman-elect Gregg Harper’s campaign last year as well as Lt. Governor Phil Bryant’s campaign in 2007. He was also the Campaign Manager in 2006 for Judge Bill Skinner’s campaign for Hinds County Court Judge. He is a resident of Terry.

Madison County Voter Registration of 123%

2008-10-29T09:02:00.005-05:00

WLBT - Voter rolls stuffed with dead and absent registrants

Mississippi's voter situation is hard to believe. Places like Madison County have over 123% more registered voters than people over the age of 18.

Sue Sautermeister, First District Election Commissioner in Madison County, tried to purge the rolls, but ran into trouble when it was discovered it takes a vote of three of the five election commissioners and the purge cannot take place within 90 days of a federal election.

Sue Sautermeister is working hard in the First District of Madison County to start a purging of the voter rolls as soon after the election as possible. She has file drawers full of names of people who haven't voted in years and are known to be dead.

"We have people who registered in 1965 who have never voted," she says. "We have 486 people (registered who are) over 105."

Harper Helps House Republicans

2008-10-29T08:27:00.001-05:00

CQPolitics - Confident Cash: Candidates Not Yet in Congress but Sure Enough to Share the Wealth
Mississippi Republican Gregg Harper, who is a shoo-in to succeed retiring Rep. Charles W. “Chip” Pickering Jr. in the state’s 3rd District, is dispensing cash from a newly formed leadership PAC to many of the same candidates Schock has favored.

Harper, whose race is rated Safe Republican by CQ Politics, has given $1,000 apiece via his leadership PAC to at least five House Republican candidates, all seeking open seats: Brett Guthrie in Kentucky; Andy Harris in Maryland; Wayne Parker in Alabama; and Christopher Lee in New York; and Glenn Thompson in Pennsylvania.

Harper’s campaign manager, Michael Cravens, declined to say whether there are other candidates to whom Harper has given through his new PAC.

Cravens said Harper’s focus is not to position himself to run for a class leadership post.

“That’s an assumption that some people have made,” Cravens said. “This is only an opportunity for him to help candidates who need help.”

Harper’s PAC, which filed its FEC paperwork on Oct. 16 is the type that can give $2,300 per candidate per election.

State realtors group backs Harper

2008-10-22T18:08:00.000-05:00

Starkville Daily News - State realtors group backs Harper

Rankin Ledger profile Harper, Gill race

2008-10-21T13:20:00.002-05:00

Rankin Ledger - Harper, Gill to face off Nov. 4

Gill, president of Mississippi Livestock Markets Association, said, among his top priorities, are providing for veterans, securing Social Security and a responsible energy policy. The Pickens alderman said military retirees are being treated badly, especially when it comes to receiving free medical care, which was promised to many veterans. "These men and women who gave 20 years of their lives are now being told we're not going to honor that promise," he said. "That's a slap in the face to these folks. We can't give them back their 20 years (of service)."

When it comes to energy, Gill said he wants a "reasonable" energy policy - allowing offshore drilling but supporting development of hydrogen and other alternative fuels for the future. He also said he supports constraints that would keep fuel harvested from America in America. Gill said he has worked in agriculture for 38 years, and he aims to reach out to the rural population. He said many areas of southwest Mississippi lack development and these economies are sorely hurting. "I'm hoping to be able to spur small business," Gill said. Gill lives outside of the 3rd Congressional District but said he spent a big part of his life in the district, including his childhood in northeast Jackson.

Harper, who has worked on numerous Republican campaigns, also listed energy as one of his top priorities. "We have to become energy independent," the Pearl resident said. "We just can't send our nation's wealth to the Middle East any longer." Harper said he supports drilling in Arctic Wildlife National Refuge and offshore, but he also sees a need for the development of clean coal technology.

Ending illegal immigration and helping families with special needs children are some of his other big issues. Harper said the United States needs to secure its borders and continue enforcing existing laws. He said he opposes amnesty. Harper has been involved in multiple political campaigns, and his first campaign was in 1978 for Charles Pickering, when he ran against Thad Cochrane in the Republican primary. "I've always been involved in campaigns," he said. He also has served as the chair for the Rankin County Republican Party for seven and a half years.

2008-10-19T19:00:00.001-05:00

Gregg Harper: New blood in the Third District - Craig Ziemba - Meridian Star

Gregg Harper is someone I respect as a true social and fiscal conservative and genuinely decent man. Spend an hour with Gregg and you’ll get to know a man who absolutely dotes on his wife and two children and would much rather talk about them than politics. But ask him about tax reform, illegal immigration, or national defense, and that smiling family man becomes very intense.

Gregg doesn’t have carefully nuanced positions drafted by a focus group. He has bedrock principles and has spent his whole life working for conservative causes. He quotes Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater, and Tom Coburn.

Gregg Harper is passionate about the sanctity of human life. I watched his face one night at a pro-life event as Gianna Jensen, the only woman to survive an attempted saline abortion, told her life story. It was clear then and has been ever since that to Gregg, the sanctity of human life is much more than just a political issue that polls well in the third district.

Hopefully, regardless of what happens in November’s general election, relative newcomers like Gregg Harper and Sarah Palin represent an emerging trend of Americans becoming involved in politics because they cherish the ideals of less government, more individual responsibility, the social values that made our country not only strong, but good.

Just for Kicks - Custom of civility goes missing in Senate race

Harper Makes Endorsement Rounds

2008-10-16T09:52:00.001-05:00

Mississippi Association of REALTORS® to Endorse Harper on Tuesday

Business groups endorsing Harper - With only three weeks remaining before the Nov. 4 general election, Mississippi 3rd Congressional District candidate Gregg Harper pulled his big blue charter bus into Brookhaven once again Tuesday to publicly accept the support of several state and national business groups. The Pearl Republican stood on the steps of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Tuesday morning to receive the endorsements of organizations such as the Mississippi Association of Realtors, the National Federation of Independent Business and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

WLBT - Harper takes on Gill to replace Pickering in 3rd congressional district

Harper in Natchez with Realtors, NFIB

2008-10-15T08:43:00.001-05:00

Natchez Democrat - Harper makes Natchez campaign stop - Congressional candidate Gregg Harper stopped in Natchez Tuesday to receive endorsements from two small business associations. The Mississippi Association of Realtors and the National Federation of Independent Business endorsed Harper, the Republican candidate for Mississippi’s Third Congressional District, at a press conference at Crye-Leik Stedman Realtors. Mississippi NFIB director Ron Aldridge said small business is the heart of the economy, and Harper would “take some good, old-fashioned Mississippi common sense to Washington.” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Builders and Contractors also endorsed Harper Tuesday, but representatives were not present at the conference.

Harper Announces Endorsements

2008-10-14T10:45:00.001-05:00

WTOK - Harper Announces Endorsements - At a Meridian news conference, the Republican announced endorsements by the Mississippi Association of Realtors, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Mississippi, the National federation of Independent Business and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

DA: Sautermeister cleared

2008-10-10T06:24:00.003-05:00

Roll action cleared by DA - Madison County Herald - An investigation by the Madison County district attorney's office found no criminal intent by Election Commissioner Sue Sautermeister when she inactivated more than 10,000 voters before the March primary election. District Attorney Michael Guest, in response to an inquiry by The Madison County Herald, said last month his office concluded its investigation and does not anticipate any further proceedings.

The names, while not purged from the system, were removed from the voter registration books and had to be restored by the Secretary of State's office before the March presidential and congressional primaries. Some of the names removed belonged to residents who have voted in recent elections. Congressional candidate David Landrum, whose name was on the March ballot, was removed from the poll book along with his wife. "No voters were removed from the voter rolls," Sautermeister said. "I was simply doing what I was elected to do, namely keep the voter rolls maintained and accurate."

The district attorney's worked with the FBI and the Secretary of State in determining that "there were more people on the voter rolls than there are actual voters. So a clean-up was merited in an effort to bring the voter records into compliance with the law," Guest said. "Our investigation determined the following: that the election commissioner had requested funds to notify those that were being removed from the rolls but didn't receive the requested funding; that the records that were deleted were added back into the system before any election was held; and we uncovered no evidence that the election commissioner was removing names, in an attempt to illegally disenfranchise those whose names were removed, or to impede the outcome of an election. Therefore no criminal intent was uncovered. To that end, it is the decision of this office that unless new information develops this case should not move forward.

Sautermeister said that Madison County's voter rolls are "so bloated with names of people who have died or moved out of Madison County that it is 122 percent of the county's entire population including those under the age of 18. "Counting an estimate of 10,000 who are under 18, this then means that a good percentage of the names on the Madison County voter roll is not eligible to vote. This situation is a very large open door to voter fraud, and I will continue to do all I can to properly correct the situation," she said.

All Beef, No Bull

2008-10-07T08:31:00.001-05:00

Joel Gill Spot

Thanks to Cotton Mouth for posting this.

Animal Owners and Animal Killers Endorse Gill

2008-09-26T08:38:00.001-05:00

Skinny Moose Media - The Sportsmen’s and Animal Owners’ Voting Alliance (SAOVA) endorsed Joel Gill for Mississippi’s 3rd district open seat congressional race. The Sportsmen’s and Animal Owners’ Voting Alliance (SAOVA) is a nationwide, nonpartisan group of volunteers lobbying legislation and seeking to elect politicians who will oppose the animal rightist threat to our rights as Americans. Our members hunt, fish and own livestock, dogs, cats and other

Debate - Raleigh

2008-09-22T14:35:00.002-05:00

According to Joel Gill's web page, there will be a debate between Gill and Gregg Harper in Raleigh on October 23 at 6:00 p.m.

Gill Catfish Fundraiser

2008-07-18T08:29:00.002-05:00

Madison County Herald - Gill to hold fundraiser - A fundraiser rally for Joel Gill, who is running as a Democrat for the 3rd District congressional seat, is Saturday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Al & Roses in Pickens. The cost is $20 for a catfish dinner. The event begins with entertainment and speakers from 9 to 11 a.m. U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, of the 2nd Congressional District, Rickey Cole, Eric Fleming and Robert Clark are among the speakers for the event. Gill will speak from 11 a.m. to noon and then the catfish dinner will be served from noon to 1 p.m.

Gill in Brookhaven, Clarion Ledger

2008-07-15T09:38:00.002-05:00

Brookhaven Daily Leader - 3rd District candidate brings message to area retirees - A 3rd Congressional District contender seeking to make his name known to voters in November visited Brookhaven Thursday as part of a summer-long tour of the district. Democratic nominee Joel Gill, D-Pickens, spoke before a meeting of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Thursday at Western Sizzlin', promising to keep an eye out for Southwest Mississippi's senior citizens if elected to Congress.

Clarion Ledger Letter To The Editor by Joel Gill - Many Miss. residents share my 'positions'

Extremely Long Article on Gill and Harper

2008-07-09T10:05:00.001-05:00

From the Flora Harvester (Hat Tip Y'all Politics): District 3 Candidates Ready for Drive to November

Gill at Obama Fest

2008-07-07T21:48:00.001-05:00

Greg Snowden's blog - Hats Off To Joel Gill - Subscribers to The Meridian Star opened their Sunday paper to a front-page "above the fold" article about "Obama Fest 2008," a political rally staged over the weekend in downtown Meridian by the Lauderdale County Democratic Party. Featured in the accompanying photograph is Congressional candidate Joel Gill, microphone in hand, lustily exhorting the party faithful to elect Democrats in November. Why is this noteworthy? The truth is, it’s a rarity these days when any Mississippi congressional candidate not named Bennie Thompson actually admits to even being a Democrat. Joel Gill, however, is made of sterner stuff. You may disagree with his politics, as I certainly do, but you must salute Gill’s willingness to at least admit what he is. His honest approach to party affiliation will allow Third Congressional District voters a clear choice between his candidacy and that of his conservative Republican opponent, Gregg Harper.

Harper visits Ridgeland board

2008-07-03T10:12:00.000-05:00

Madison County Journal - Harper visits board - Gregg Harper, the Republican nominee Mississippi's Third Congressional District, met briefly with the Mayor and Board of Aldermen and other city officials before Tuesday's regular meeting. When introduced at the beginning of the meeting by McGee, Harper thanked the board for letting him come for a visit and expressed his hope to work closely with the city if he is elected in November. "I hope to always be accessable to the city and work closely with city officials," Harper said. "Now I'm going to go spend some money in Ridgeland and buy my wife some dinner." Harper will face Democratic nominee Joel Gill in the Nov. 4 general election to fill the seat left vacant when former U.S. Rep. Charles W. "Chip" Pickering resigned earlier this year.

Rothenberg on Harper

2008-06-23T10:49:00.001-05:00

The Rothenberg Political Report - Good Candidates for House Come in All Shapes and Sizes - Every election cycle, I meet a lot of candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives. Some, in fact many, have more liabilities than assets. But some actually impress me. This column is about four of them, and I’d advise keeping an eye on each at least until November.

Gregg Harper (R), Mississippi’s 3rd district. An attorney and former Rankin County Republican chairman, Harper, 52, did what many candidates promise to do but, in fact, don’t. He put together a successful grass-roots campaign. With one of his primary opponents flush with money and the other a well-known state Senator who had the governor’s media consultant at his disposal, Harper was the long-shot Republican hopeful with little cash and no district-wide recognition. But his years toiling in Republican political vineyards — whether working in phone banks for a Mississippi GOP candidate in 1978, serving as a Republican observer of the Florida recount in 2000 or working as a legal volunteer for President Bush’s campaign in Ohio in 2004 — paid off.

Harper is straightforward, astute and earnest. It’s clear that he is an extremely hard worker, and that people who meet him are willing to go to work to help him. That’s a very good sign. In a rarity these days, Harper refused to use negative information about one of his opponents. But don’t think Gregg Harper is politically naive. He isn’t. And he will win the open seat in November.

Gill on Science

2008-06-22T15:30:00.001-05:00

In his responses to Scientists and Engeineers for America, Joel Gill rejects the premise of global warming ("Being in the cattle business, I question why just now are cow bealches and flatulence being blamed for global warming. They have been preforming these natural functions since the beginning of time. I suggest that we are in a normal cycle that will in the next 100 years return to the cooler temperatures of the past.") and shares his energy policy ideas:

"With the rising cost of fuel, people will self limit and shift to those fuel efficient vehicles on their own so I do not favor mandating greater restrictions on manufactures. I support greater research to develop military vehicles that will be more fuel efficient and enviroment friendly. I favor more nuclear develpoment for electricty. I favor more research on hydrogen as a fuel. I favor providing credits to promote more usage of Geo thermal technology for home heating and cooling. For the immediate future, I favor expanded drilling operations both off shore and in ANWR and new refineries provided the oil stays in the United States and does not enter the world market. This must be coupled with a requirement to ensure no or very little reduction in the current amount of oil supplied to by sellers in this nation."

He also makes statements on the environment and stem cells, "I do not favor expansion of the current wetlands policies which encraoch on private property rights. I somewhat lean in favor of support more stem cell research."

Gill TV

2008-06-15T21:10:00.003-05:00

Joel Gill is buying half-hour cable television time, according to Cotton Mouth - "The Gill for Congress 1/2 hour television show will begin airing every evening at 8 PM from Monday till election day on CABLE ONLY...A new show will be taped each week running the entirety of the week." Check out Cotton Mouth for channel details.

Is this a real Joel Gill interview?

2008-06-09T15:30:00.003-05:00

This portrays itself as an interview between Joel Gill and Richard Barrett's racist organization. Is this for real?

The Joel Gill Interview

The alleged interview has Gill saying that he is elected as an alderman in an eighty-percent black town, "so I have to go in that direction." He mentions his first fundraiser is coming up and everyone there will be Obama supporters, and he can't come out against Obama because "I am right there at Holmes County and it is mostly black." Gill says he can't get close to Richard Barrett because "It would hurt my chances" and turned down a meeting with Barrett's people because "If my opponent found out and there were pictures taken, it could hurt me." When asked about a picture on his web site with Bennie Thompson, Gill says, "I wanted to show that I am a lobbyist. I am trying to get some support for my area. Did you, also, notice my picture with Trent Lott?" When asked about the flag vote Gill said, "Well, I am for our heritage." Gill describes his opponent Gregg Harper as "very flaccid" and says "not appealing." In the end, Gill says he was just returning the call but can not accept any support from Barrett's organization, but he'll take their money.

Gill opposes Flora National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility

2008-06-02T09:29:00.001-05:00

Starkville Daily News - Biolab’s safety questioned - In a meeting at the West Point Stockyard Thursday morning, cattlemen gathered to learn more and express concerns to representatives of the state's bid for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. Stanley Scott, Mississippi's membership chair for R-Calf USA, an organization representing cattle producers, organized the meeting Thursday to ensure the possible concerns of those he represents were voiced. Before the meeting, Scott and Joel Gill, Democratic candidate for U.S. representative for the Third Congressional District, said they were concerned about the potential economic and health impact of the possible accidental release of an infectious disease like foot and mouth disease (FMD) into the Mississippi cattle population. Scott and Gill said they worry that FMD could escape the Biosafety Level 4 facility as previously occurred at the Plum Island facility (a Level 3 facility), but its separate and remote location prevented the disease from spreading off the island while the Flora site and the other proposed sites are located in populated areas. The release of FMD in 1978 at Plum Island was determined largely to be due to the age of the facility, said Dr. Bianca Garner, a microbiologist consulting on the project for the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership. Older biolab facilities are more difficult to upgrade and maintain, especially when in a remote location like Plum Island, Garner said. By bringing the biolab to a mainland area, maintenance and upgrades could be more routinely performed, she said. Garner pointed to the safe operation of a Biosafety Level 3 facility at UMMC as representative of the feasibility of maintaining a high-level lab in a highly-populated area. Garner has worked in the UMMC lab in Level 3 with anthrax and holds FBI clearance and CDC certification. Gill supported the demolition and complete rebuilding of the facility on Plum Island. "I think we really need to upgrade the facility but in its current location," Gill said. "The diseases that they work with are far too dangerous." Gill currently serves as president of the Mississippi Livestock Markets Association, an organization of sale barns and licensed dealers in the state, he is also a second-term aldermen in Pickens and serves on the boards for the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and the Holmes County Cattlemen's Association. All the potential biolab sites are in major cattle feeding areas, Gill said. For Gill, the potential risk of a FMD outbreak is too great to the state. "In the name of economic development, I think it's too high a price to pay," he said. The economic impact of the $451 million facility is estimated at $3 billion to $5 billion over 20 years. "I think the economic impact is going to be much higher than that," Dzielak said. The lab's location in Mississippi could also push the state into the biotechnology sector, he said. Despite the answers Garner and Dzielak brought to the table, Scott and Gill remained concerned about the potential impact on their livelihoods from an outbreak of FMD. "I feel a little better about it," Gill said after the meeting, noting that he still is concerned, especially since he makes his living from the livestock industry. "I wish I could feel at ease about it ... but in light of this foot and mouth disease, I'm just a little nervous," Scott said. "It is in my mind as one of the world's most dangerous research labs and should be treated as such."

Gill Out - Shows In?

2008-05-27T15:55:00.002-05:00

Ronnie Shows told Paul Gallo that people had approached him to run against Harper in November if Joel Gill were to pull out of the race, but seemed to dismiss the idea, according to Gallo Notes courtesy of Y'all Politics.

Harper and Wicker at Lake Fest

2008-05-16T09:35:00.002-05:00

WTOK - Political Candidates Stump At Lake Fest - The town of Lake may be small, but every year Lake Fest attracts some big political names. Last year it was Haley Barbour, and this year a pair of Congressional hopefuls headed to the tiny town on the Scott and Newton County border. Roger Wicker and Gregg Harper both know how important small town America is to their respective campaign. Harper also spent part of his day at Collinsville's Lively Arts Festival. "It's always about going out and grassroots (campaigns). In Mississippi people still expect to be asked for a vote, and this is the way you go and do it. What a great day to be in Lake," said Gregg Harper - Republican, Candidate, US House District 3. "There are obviously a lot of folks that live in Lake that drive a good distance to go to work, maybe in other areas. It is hurting in everybody's pocketbook and we've got to do something about that. Certainly long-term we have got to be able to build some more oil refineries, you've got to be able to drill for oil in Alaska and offshore," said Harper.

Gill advocates increased SS taxes on incomes above $102K

2008-04-09T13:47:00.001-05:00

Commercial Dispatch - Tax issues atop Mississippi Democrats' to-do lists if elected to Washington - Raising the Social Security tax ceiling, eliminating income tax paid on overtime and regional transportation are a few of the issues Mississippi Democrats seeking federal office want to introduce in Washington if they’re elected.

“How can you be the poorest state in the nation and have everybody have to have a car?” asked Erik Fleming, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate running against longtime Mississippi Republican Thad Cochran. “Now, I’m not saying that Starkville is going to get an L-Train,” the Chicago native told the meager crowd Monday night during the Oktibbeha County Party annual Beans and Greens fundraiser, as he touted efforts to work toward regional transportation systems that might link communities like Starkville, West Point and Columbus.

Joel Gill, the Democrat from Pickens who will face Gregg Harper, the Republican from Pearl, for the chance to serve in the 3rd Congressional District, to replace retiring U.S. House Rep. Chip Pickering, wants to raise the ceiling on Social Security so high income earners will pay more, helping to make the system more solvent. The wage ceiling for 2008 is set at about $102,000, which means income above this amount is not taxed for Social Security.

What Gill and other Democrats like Fleming and Ronnie Musgrove — who was scheduled to speak at the Beans and Greens event but was unable to attend and will face Roger Wicker for Trent Lott’s old U.S. Senate seat — are counting on is large numbers of Democrats turning out in the November election, particularly if Barack Obama becomes the Democratic nominee for president.

Harper says thanks

2008-04-04T08:35:00.001-05:00

WTOK - Harper Thanks Supporters - Two days after securing the Republican nomination, third district congressional candidate Gregg Harper formally thanked his supporters. The Pearl attorney held a news conference in Jackson Thursday morning. Harper defeated former state Sen. Charlie Ross in a runoff Tuesday. He's back on the campaign trail now, getting ready for the general election. Harper touted some of the issues he plans to tackle, if he wins the general election, including illegal immigration. "We have to secure our borders," said Harper. "And we have to enforce those existing laws on immigration that we don't know whether they'll work or not, because we haven't done a good job of taking care of those." Harper will take on Democrat Joel Gill in the general election Nov. 4.

Harper Beats Ross

2008-04-02T09:18:00.002-05:00

Gregg Harper - 29,351 - 57%
Charlie Ross - 22,178 - 43%

Madison: Police investigate removal of political signs

2008-04-01T13:29:00.000-05:00

Madison County Journal Online - Police investigate removal of political signs - The Charlie Ross campaign is denying allegations that its volunteers were authorized to remove area Gregg Harper signs over the weekend.

Madison Police Chief Gene Waldrop said his department interviewed several young people on Sunday who admitted that they removed the Harper signs while placing pro-Ross signs near the intersection of U.S. Highway 51 and Madison Avenue. According to Waldrop, there is no evidence or testimony that the people associated with Ross were specifically told by the Ross campaign to remove Harper signs. About 30 signs were found in the possession of the campaign workers on Sunday.

He added that Harper, although upset about the incident, declined to press charges or pursue the matter further after meeting with him on Monday morning. "I don't think they said they were being paid to take them (Harper signs) up. I think they said they were being paid to put out Charlie Ross signs," Waldrop said.

Stealing the signs would constitute a misdemeanor offense. Waldrop said it was not unusual for such allegations to surface during political campaigns.

Mark Lyon, the campaign director for Charlie Ross, said it never authorized or paid anyone to remove another candidate's signs and did not condone the action. Lyon said the campaign was unaware of the situation until Monday afternoon but wanted to focus on the issues. "Many Charlie Ross signs have been taken down since the first primary. However, we have not made any accusations against the Gregg Harper campaign organization, we attribute this to overzealous supporters," Lyon said in a prepared statement on Monday afternoon.

Gregg Harper's campaign director Michael Cravens said the issue was minor and did not merit a great deal of attention. "We just really hesitate to get involved in something like this, because it's so trivial in the whole scope of things," Cravens said on Monday afternoon. "We're going to be true to Gregg Harper's commitment to running a clean and positive campaign."

Waldrop said his department had worked in conjunction with the Ridgeland Police Department after the allegations surfaced in both Madison and Ridgeland. He said he received vehicle tag numbers belonging to the Ross campaign workers from local business owners who expressed concern about the Harper signs being taken down. "I think at this point, you may have a he-said or she-said situation," Waldrop said.

Hatcher Endorses Ross

2008-04-01T09:07:00.000-05:00

HatTip: Y'all Politics

"During my campaign through the whole district I never met a Charlie Ross supporter who worked to exclude me or discouraged my efforts as a candidate. In every instance Charlie, his family, campaign staff and supporters always made the "newcomer" feel welcome. I am pleased with their honorable campaign. Please join me and vote for Charlie Ross on Tuesday, April 1st." - Greg Hatcher, Former MS-03 Republican Candidate, 4/1/8

Madison Mischief

2008-03-31T14:55:00.002-05:00

Flora Harvester - Complaint filed with Madison and Ridgeland PD's over campaign shenanigans - (HatTip sippydog at Y'all Politics) [Y'all has now removed the post.] - A complaint was reportedly filed with the Madison and Ridgeland Police Department’s Sunday evening following mischief related to the ongoing District 3 Republican runoff. The situation stems from a group of young men allegedly being paid by a Madison Alderman in conjunction with the Charlie Ross campaign to remove Gregg Harper signs. The Ross camp was accused of similar tactics in the last days leading up to the Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor against Phil Bryant last year. Margaret Collins, a Harper volunteer, said that she was talking with a friend in the parking lot of a Ridgeland shopping center on Saturday around 6:30pm when a carload of young men pulled up, jumped out and began hurriedly removing Gregg Harper signs from the area. “It was almost like a Chinese fire drill,” Collins said. “They were jerking (Harper) signs up.” Collins, who is a teacher, said she immediately “went into teacher mode” and began questioning them.
As we questioned them, they kept changing their story and giving excuses,” she said. “First, they said they worked for the City of Madison. When we reminded them that they were in Ridgeland, they then said they worked for the County.” Collins said that the youngest of the group wanted to cooperate and claimed he was “just trying to make some money.” “We asked them if they were being paid by the Charlie Ross campaign, and the young man said, ‘yes’,” said Collins. Collins said she had the boys open the back of their Red Nissan X-Terra. “The signs in the trunk were all Harper signs,” she said. She said the driver then called someone who claimed to be an Alderman from the City of Madison. “The Alderman said to leave the signs up but that they will be down by Monday,” Collins recalls. “Then when we demanded the signs in the trunk, the (driver) called him back to see if they could give them to us.” Collins said neither she nor her friend were able to get the name of the Alderman, but that they were able to get a tag number off the vehicle and grab about 20 signs before the young men began to be confrontational. “It appeared they were getting paid for each sign they collected,” she said. Collins says, “It’s a shame that volunteers spend their time working on a campaign, only to see this kind of thing happen.” “I think it is ridiculous that someone would do this kind of thing,” she said. Calls to both Madison and Ridgeland Police Departments for comment were not immediately returned.

Vote Tomorrow

2008-03-31T09:58:00.004-05:00

Andy Taggart Blog - Tuesday's GOP Run-off: Third District

Alan Lange - Harper vs. Ross - This one could be really close in MS-03

WTOK - Harper Supporters Campaign In Meridian

WTOK - Charlie Ross Campaigns During Air Show

Clarion Ledger - Vet touts record, takes nothing for granted

Clarion Ledger - Underdog draws fervid support despite hurdles

WLBT - Profile of Third Congressional District Candidates

Commercial Dispatch - Rankin attorneys vying for congressional post

CQ Politics - Tuesday’s Mississippi House Race: Neck and Neck

AP - Miss. holds runoffs Tuesday in congressional primaries

Yancey Endorses Harper

2008-03-31T09:51:00.003-05:00

Lee Yancey, who now occupies the senate seat formerly held by Charlie Ross, has endorsed Gregg Harper.

Ross BBQ

2008-03-27T09:42:00.000-05:00

You're Invited!

Barbeque at Bass Pro Shop
with Republican Third Congressional District Candidate
Charlie Ross

Sunday, March 30th
4:30-6:30pm

Sportsman's Hall, Bass Pro Shop
100 Bass Pro Drive, Pearl, MS

This event is free and open to the public.

We hope to see you there!

If you're interested in joining Team Charlie, we've got plenty of opportunities to get involved. Contact Robert or TJ here at the campaign headquarters, (601) 362-7677.

5 days and counting

2008-03-27T09:25:00.002-05:00

Madison County Journal - Ross, Harper meet in runoff Tuesday

WTOK - Ross Speaks to Kiwanis Club

Scott County Times - GOP Runoff Tuesday

Scott County Times - Candidates See Importance Of Scott County

WTOK - Congressional Candidates Meet Voters

Madison Journal: Harper for Congress

2008-03-27T09:21:00.002-05:00

Madison County Journal - EDITORIAL/Gregg Harper for Congress - Tuesday's Republican run-off election between Gregg Harper and Charlie Ross in the Third District will more than likely give the victor a straight ticket to Washington. The race between Harper and Ross is expected to be a horse race.

Either man would represent the district well. Ross has paid his dues in the halls of the state capitol as an experienced and knowledgeable legislator. He knows the mechanics of lawmaking.

Harper has paid his dues in the trenches of the Rankin County Republican Party and has developed a loyal grass roots following traversing the district in a bus once owned by Garth Brooks, which, frankly, has been one of the more interesting aspects of an otherwise dull campaign.

Ross could have no finer endorsement than Aaron Rice, the boyish Iraq war veteran who lost his left leg below the knee in a land mine attack in 2005. What a great American!

But a few key factors stand out about Harper which make him the most logical choice in this otherwise flip-of-the-coin race.

Harper is a fiscal conservative who wants to put an end to the wasteful Washington spending. He believes in a financially strong America. He has been an advocate of the Second Amendment and is quick to tell you he is a lifelong member of the NRA. Harper has also spoken out against illegal immigration, as did most every other Republican candidate. He is a strong advocate of public schools, educating his own children in them. Harper is personable and we believe will be more accessible, but he'll need to surround himself with good people knowledgeable about important issues like transportation, education and economic development.

Vote Gregg Harper for Congress on Tuesday.

Friedeman for Harper; Letters for Ross

2008-03-27T09:05:00.003-05:00

Matt Friedeman: Gregg Harper - Gregg Harper goes into every conversation he is a part of wanting to make the other participant feel good; at the least, show them tremendous respect. He has done this across a lifetime. Buy Charlie a copy of "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Gregg knows how to run a campaign without making other people foaming at the mouth mad. Charlie doesn't. Gregg says that he is a Christian and actually comes off as one when you meet him. Gregg has influenced enough people across a lot of years in grassroots politics to build up tremendous word of mouth on his behalf and great energy from people that volunteer for him. Gregg does things for you without asking anything in return. But you want to give something back when you have a chance. Having served people in the political realm like that person-to-person people are personally excited about Gregg's candidacy. Many are highly motivated to get out and vote for him on a day few will be getting out and voting for anyone. Now, I actually like Charlie Ross. If elected - and frankly, he could be - he would make a great congressman. He would hit the ground running. But if he doesn't, and I don't think at this point he will, these are the reasons why. Here's voting for Gregg Harper who has substitute hosted The Matt Friedeman Show for years. Fine Christian, socially and economically conservative, savvy personally, lots of friends that love the Harpers.

Scott County Times - Letter To The Editor - Dear Editor, 2008 is a critical election year for Mississippi, especially for conservative voters. April 1 is the runoff election for congressional seats. In November, we will also be electing the next president and our U.S. senators. Therefore, we here in the Third District cannot afford to send a congressman to Washington who has no legislative experience whatsoever. We will need a strong leader who is not afraid to stand up for us. Charlie Ross is that candidate. Charlie has always been a strong advocate for conservative Republican values and spent his time in the state senate working hard with Gov. Barbour and other Republican leaders to protect us and to help Mississippi grow its economy. Charlie is a strong Christian who is an Elder in his Presbyterian Church in Rankin County. He’s a family man and a veteran. Charlie loves Mississippi and wants to continue to serve us. If you voted in the March 11 GOP Primary, I would ask that you go to the polls on April 1 and vote for Charlie Ross n the only candidate with legislative experience. He will represent us with Christian dignity and conservative values. Thanks for your consideration, Judith Lewis, Morton

Clarion Ledger - Letter To The Editor - Ross' experience to benefit 3rd District constituents - The person we send to Washington to represent the 3rd Congressional District will be confronted with monumental decisions involving the economy, immigration, the military and cultural upheavals that threaten the character of our nation. We are fortunate to have a candidate who has the legislative background, experience and moral courage to meet these challenges. Charlie Ross is that candidate! As a veteran, he understands the military! As a legislator and a student of economics, he understands taxes budgets and the need for fiscal restraints! He has authored bills in the Mississippi Senate that have opened doors for new jobs throughout the state! As a problem-solver, he has practical ideas to offer regarding the illegal immigration crisis! On a personal level, Ross is a dedicated Christian, an elder and teacher in his church, a devoted husband to Sharon, and father of three sons: Andy, David and Steven. My descriptive terms for this outstanding public servant include: sincere, straight-talker, good listener, bright, intense, common-sensical, conservative, and competent! Ross as a representative from the 3rd Congressional District of Mississippi will serve the state and the nation with distinction! John D. McEachin, M.D., Meridian

Six days and counting

2008-03-26T09:14:00.003-05:00

Clarion Ledger - Sid Salter - 2008 congressional races present important, difficult choices - Over in the 3rd District, Democrat Joel Gill of Pickens has sewn up the Democratic nomination and will be a serious candidate in November. But the makeup of the district still leaves the Republican nominee in the driver's seat and the GOP second primary features a tight, tough race between first primary front-runner former state Sen. Charlie Ross of Brandon and longtime former Rankin County GOP chairman and Pearl attorney Gregg Harper. Ross, an experienced legislator with the pedigree of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Harvard Law School, has run a solid campaign and avoided most of the mistakes that plagued his failed 2007 GOP lieutenant governor's bid. Harper used an effective ground game, particularly in Rankin County and smaller counties on the east side of the district, to surprise the prognosticators in the first primary. Lott's backing Harper, while Ross has the backing of the influential Club for Growth. But Harper's support among evangelical voters may be the deciding factor - that and his relentless, thorough ground game.

ClarionLedger.com - Jere Nash - Update on Congressional Finances - Gregg Harper -- $139,161.25; Charlie Ross -- $241,612.20

ClarionLedger.com - Leah Rupp - On the road again... - I'm on the road with Republican 3rd Congressional candidate Gregg Harper. We're heading to Brookhaven, Natchez then back up to Meadville. Natalie (my colleague at the Capitol) was out with Charlie Ross — Harper's opponent in the run off April 1 — earlier this week. Which one do you like? And why? Or perhaps you like Democrat Joel Gill of Pickens? What are each candidates strengths and weaknesses (in your opinion)? Your favorite reporter has to write a profile this weekend.

Meridian Star - Congressional candidates meet voters - All three candidates currently running for the 3rd Congressional District seat were in Meridian Tuesday to speak, answer questions, and mingle with voters at a Young Professionals of Meridian forum at the Hilton Garden Inn on Highway 11/80. The candidates appeared before about 120 voters at the YPM function, each giving a five minute speech about themselves and answering three questions from YPM members about health care, the war in Iraq, and the economy.

Charlie Ross said, "This race is not so much about Charlie Ross or Gregg or Joel. It's about you. What type of legislator do you want in the 3rd district?" Ross spoke of his record as a state legislator, and compared himself to the late former congressman G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, saying that they both served 10 years in the state legislature, were both veterans, and that he hoped to follow in Montgomery's footsteps. "I believe in public service," he said. "I believe in being accessible, and I will have a fully staffed office in Meridian."

Harper talked about education in his introduction. "To be in the fight, you need to be in the system," he said. "That's why our kids are in public schools," adding that he felt many parents of public school children would agree that "No Child Left Behind needs some work," saying that it was a problem for both students and teachers. He then moved on the subject of illegal immigration, saying, "I'm sick of...tax dollars going to pay benefits to illegals," and that much of the illegal immigration problem could be solved by securing the borders and enforcing the current immigration laws.

Ross also spoke about immigration, saying that the first step in solving the problem with illegal immigration is securing the border. "We can secure a border, and we need to secure our southern border just like we secured our northern border against the Soviets," Ross said.

Gill made his first public appearance in Meridian at Tuesday's YPM function. He opened by apologizing for not being present at the debate held in Meridian last month, saying," I had given my word that I would chair the RKF convention in Omaha," even before deciding to run for the congressional seat. He then joked about the number of candidates who had been in the Republican primary, saying, "I'm proud to say of the three of us here I was able to garner the greatest vote total and I hope to do that again in November." Gill, a town alderman from Pickens who is in the livestock business, talked of the damage that he feels big box stores and free trade agreements have done to American workers, saying, "The physical toll on individuals is devastating," and that free trade agreements put both foreigners as well as Americans out of work, contributing to illegal immigration. Gill also proposed using the minimum wage to determine a person's tax deduction, so that an individual who made minimum wage would pay no taxes, while one that made a dollar over minimum wage would pay taxes on that one dollar, and so forth. He said he wants income tax rates to be determined by congressional spending because, "if you know that congressional spending is what's going to control your tax rate, then you'll be a lot more involved."

Ross touted his experience, mentioning laws he had written in that area, speaking of a tort reform law when talking of economic development, and "Jessica's law" when speaking of sexual predators. Of economic development in Lauderdale County, Ross said, "Meridian is prime for a new industry ... I fully support the new interchange...If you build it they will come." Ross also said that the cost of health care could be reduced by health insurance related tax deductions directly to individuals rather than doing so through their workplace, and that the economy could be strengthened by making the Bush tax cuts permanent.

Harper said that one way to address the health care problem was to reduce costs by slackening government regulations on hospitals. Of the war in Iraq Harper said, "I think the Republicans did a lousy job of articulating why we're in Iraq...It's about the war against fundamentalist Islamic terrorism," closing his Iraq comments with strong words, "Every time we get bombed then we ought to drop a hard bomb on Iran and Syria where all this garbage is coming from."

New TV spots

2008-03-26T08:29:00.002-05:00

Here is the closing spot for Gregg Harper.

This is a spot done for Charlie Ross by Club For Growth.

Golly Gee

2008-03-26T08:27:00.002-05:00

Marshall Ramsey's take on the fly off.

Red v Blue on Harper

2008-03-24T11:16:00.002-05:00

ClarionLedger.com - Jere Nash Blog - Gregg Harper & Mississippi Values - Congressional candidate Gregg Harper has a new TV ad, in which he tells voters he "is running to ensure that our conservative Mississippi values have a voice in Washington." Harper then goes on to observe that "Washington has gotten off track" and that "now, more than ever, Washington needs a good dose of old fashion Mississippi values." One has to only wonder why candidates run ads like this. I guess they think voters are too dumb to ask questions like: (1) Does Harper not think Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker represent Mississippi values in Washington? or (2) Does Harper think Chip Pickering was not good enough in the values department and, as a result, allowed Washington to get off track? or (3) What values would Harper bring to Washington that President Bush does not already practice? One reason I think turnout in the Republican primary was so dismal was that none of the major candidates offered voters anything remotely exciting or different or challenging. Just the same old slogans their pollsters and media consultants tell them to say.

ClarionLedger.com - Nash hits Gregg Harper: Harper's stock skyrockets with Republicans - Memo to my friend Jere Nash: Please write some more unfavorable posts about my Mississippi College classmate Gregg Harper and his campaign for Congress. Every time you take a shot at Gregg, his stock goes higher among Republican voters. But the primary is only a little over a week away now, so please write something else bad about him soon...

Finances

2008-03-24T11:05:00.002-05:00

Clarion Ledger - Congressional race spending mounting - Former state Sen. Charlie Ross holds the fund-raising edge. Ross has raised more than $680,000 in his race against Gregg Harper, a prosecutor in Brandon and Richland. Former Sen. Trent Lott contributed $4,000 this week to Harper's campaign. Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant also donated $1,000. Bryant defeated Ross last year in the lieutenant governor's race. Harper supplemented the contributions of the high-profile Mississippi Republicans by loaning his campaign $20,000.

ClarionLedger.com - Jere Nash Blog - Congressional Campaign Finance Update - Republican candidates in the runoffs for the First and Third Congressional District slots have filed their pre-runoff reports with the FEC (which covered financial activity through March 12) and have since filed 48-hour reports to disclose major contributions received since March 12. If we add all of the 48-hour contributions disclosed by the candidates to the cash-on-hand balances they disclosed on their March 12 pre-primary report, we get a pretty good idea of how much money the candidates have to spend in this runoff election. Here's how the money stacks up:

Greg Davis -- $146,562.99

Glenn McCullough -- $122,434.01

Gregg Harper -- $131,861.25

Charlie Ross -- $186,612.20

By and large, the candidates are relatively evenly matched in the money game. Ross is ahead in his race because he contributed $55,000 of his own money to the cause. And the Trent Lott endorsement has apparently helped Greg Davis raise some extra money.

Ross, Harper in Meridian

2008-03-24T10:58:00.004-05:00

Meridian Star - Hitting the campaign trail: Gregg Harper and Charlie Ross - Harper, an attorney, is particularly proud of his grassroots ground campaign in which friends, family, and other volunteers have been going door-to-door with him all around the district. "Sidney has worked harder than I have," he said of his wife's door-to-door campaigning. His daughter, Maggie, and his son, Livingston, also have participated in the door-to-door effort, and Livingston, who suffers from a developmental disorder known as Fragile X Syndrome appeared in a T.V. ad with his father. "Livingston has enjoyed the celebrity status," Harper said. Harper feels confident about his campaign, saying, "We do believe that many of the supporters of other candidates have gotten on board with us financially and by volunteering. The momentum has been building since March 11. We're raising sufficient funds to be able to do more than we were able to do in the primary, and we have one of the best volunteer grassroots campaigns that I've ever seen. And you don't create that in three weeks." Harper has been canvassing the entire district, but has not forgotten about Lauderdale County. In a recent rally at Union Station, he said that the race "is going to be won or lost in Lauderdale County," and that residents are, "going to think we live in Meridian by April 1."

Ross hasn't forgotten about Lauderdale County either, appearing shortly after the primary to announce endorsements by former opponents Bill Marcy and Greg Hatcher, both Meridian residents. Also present at that event was Gil Carmichael, a long-time Republican leader in Mississippi. He appeared in Meridian again shortly afterwards to open a new office here, saying "I will be your congressman, I will maintain an office in Meridian." The comment prompted Harper to mention at his event that "I was the first candidate to open up an office in Meridian." Both Harper and Ross have attracted sizable crowds at their events. Ross, a veteran and a state senator, has put a strong emphasis on military in his Lauderdale County campaigning, promising over and over again, "I will keep a flying mission at the Air National Guard in Meridian," and repeatedly referring to his veteran status. Ross also has pointed extensively to his experience in the state senate as a qualifying factor in his bid for the congressional seat.

Want to meet the candidates of the Third Congressional District – Democrat Joel Gill and Republicans Charlie Ross and Gregg Harper — and hear what they have to say about the issues? The Young Professionals of Meridian will host "Meet the Candidates" on Tuesday beginning at 5:15 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 109 U.S. Highway 11 & 80. The event is free and open to the public. There will be light appetizers and a cash bar. Each candidate will speak and answer questions; they will also mingle with the crowd. The event will last until about 7 p.m. For more information, e-mail ypmeridian@gmail.com, or call (601) 938-0087.

WTOK - "On The Record" Features Congressional Candidates - The Republican runoff for the Third District Congressional race is just over a week away and both candidates have been spending a lot of time in East Mississippi. One candidate has actually said that the election will be won in Lauderdale County. The candidates appeared this weekend on "On the Record' with Newscenter Eleven's John Johnson. Here is what the candidates had to say.

"East Mississippi is an important part of what happens in Mississippi and I "believe this election will be won or lost right here in Lauderdale County, which is why I think it's so important to be here," said Gregg Harper.

"East Mississippi is such an important part of the district. I'm conservative and will be straight forward and accessible. I said early on that I will have an office in Meridian so people can talk to a live human being rather than over the phone. I'm committed to making Mississippi and the third district better," said Charlie Ross.

WTOK - Harper, Ross to Debate on WTOK - Both Gregg Harper and Charlie Ross arrived at WTOK's downtown Meridian studio for a taping of "On the Record" ready to explain why they are the best choice for the Republican nomination for Congress.

"One of the things missing in politics is real focus on the issues," said Ross, referring to the limitations of 30-second sound bites. "I think it's important for the system and important for the public."

"I think people get a better glimpse. It's so hard to really know who a candidate is in a 30 second commercial," said Harper. "We feel we have done it the best we can, but it's much better to let people hear more of what you have to say."

Harper said it's that he can work well with others, while Ross says it's his experience that sets him apart.

Meridian Star - Congressional hopefuls to make Meridian stop - Both GOP hopefuls for the Third Congressional district — Charlie Ross and Gregg Harper — will face off one week from today in a runoff election in the Republican primary. Today, both candidates, along with Democrat Joel Gill, will be in Meridian — an area they consider critical to the election — to meet with local voters. The Young Professionals of Meridian will host "Meet the Candidates" today beginning at 5:15 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 109 U.S. Highway 11 & 80. The event is free and open to the public. There will be light appetizers and a cash bar. Each candidate will speak and answer questions; they will also mingle with the crowd. The event will last until about 7 p.m. "I'm anxiously looking forward to it," Gill said of the event. "This will actually be my first chance to meet the voters in Meridian, and I'm looking forward to their questions." Ross said he was excited about the platform. "It is an opportunity to meet a large number of young professionals in a large place in Meridian," he said. "Meridian is critical in this election."

Harper in Meridian

2008-03-21T10:07:00.003-05:00

WTOK - Harper Makes Meridian Stop - A Third district congressional candidate Gregg Harper campaigned in Meridian Thursday. Harper and some of his supporters spoke at a news conference at Union Station. Harper said Meridian will be his home away from home during the days leading up to an Apr. 1 run-off with Charlie Ross. The two got the most votes in a field of seven candidates in the Mar. 11 primary. "A great local support here. I can't tell you how much it meant not only to win my home county of Rankin County but to win Lauderdale County and lead the ticket over here was just an incredible blessing for us," said Harper. "And we thank everyone for that." Harper said he has picked up support another republican candidate who did not make the run-off, David Landrum. Both Harper and Ross will be the guests for WTOK's public affairs program, On the Record, Sunday, Mar. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

Meridian Star - Harper rallies supporters in Meridian - Gregg Harper, who is vying with Charlie Ross in a run-off for the 3rd Congressional District Republican nomination, visited Meridian yesterday, making a stop at Union Station to speak to friends and supporters and have some prominent members of the community speak on his behalf. Those who endorsed Harper included: Meridian clothier Harry Mayer, who said of Harper, "he'll always do the right thing,"; former Lauderdale County board of supervisors candidate Greg Mangum, who called Harper "religious" and "a true conservative"; and Pastor Carl White, who said that Harper is "as consistent as the sunrise. What you see is what you get." Additionally, Harper announced that his campaign had received a $1,000 contribution from Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant, who defeated Charlie Ross in the Lt. Governor's race last year. Harper promised in his speech to protect Lauderdale County's military facilities, spoke of his faith and of his friends and families contributions to his campaign, and said of the campaign, "You're going to think that we live in Meridian by April 1, because I do believe this election is going to be won or lost in Lauderdale County." After his speech, Harper made an additional comment, "I was the first candidate to open an office in Meridian," presumably in response to Ross' new office on Front Street. Harper's office is located on 22nd avenue.

New Harper Spot

2008-03-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

Gregg Harper - Values

Landrum Endorses Harper

2008-03-20T17:58:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Over the past 5 months, I have campaigned throughout the entire 3rd Congressional District and spent time with some wonderful people. I have also had the opportunity to campaign with all the candidates who initially ran in the Republican Primary.

Throughout the Primary, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the character and motivation of each candidate. Now that we did not make it to the runoff, I believe I should let you know what I have seen on the campaign trail.

Throughout the debates, forums, and joint appearances, one of my opponents stood out of the crowd. This candidate has the convictions, passion, and the heart to serve the people of the 3rd District, which I think is vital for our next Congressman. This candidate has run a clean campaign and has refused to participate in the typical mudslinging or personal attacks used by other campaigns - either through television commercials or through word of mouth. I respect this candidate as a man of faith with a servant's heart.

That is why, in the Republican Runoff on April 1st, I am going to be supporting Gregg Harper for Congress and I humbly ask for your consideration to do the same. I have talked with Gregg about the issues that matter to me, and I feel confident he will address these issues as our next Congressman.

If you would like to help Gregg by volunteering for his campaign, donating to his campaign, or if you would just like more information, you can visit his website at www.greggharperforcongress.com or you can call his office at (601) 420.2211.

Again, thank you for your support during our campaign.

Sincerely,
David Landrum

Ledger Letters

2008-03-20T09:05:00.002-05:00

Clarion Ledger - Letter to the Editor - Consider Gregg Harper as 'our voice' in Washington - It is my pleasure to commend to the voters of the 3rd Congressional District an outstanding candidate for Congress. Gregg Harper is a man of intelligence and integrity. He is dedicated to his family, to his church, to his profession, and to this great country. Gregg and I share concerns about the moral, ethical, cultural, fiscal and security-related problems of our nation. I believe that he is committed to taking a stand for our conservative principles and to being an eloquent voice, a tireless worker, and a consistent voter in Congress. I hope readers will consider this outstanding citizen as our voice in Washington. - Roy J. Fountain, Forest

Clarion Ledger - Letter to the Editor - Ross will best represent all residents of 3rd District - Charlie Ross is the best candidate for the 3rd Congressional District. Charlie is seeking to replace Chip Pickering, who is not seeking re-election. I urge readers to take a look at Charlie for this seat. He is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and a veteran, having flown with the Mississippi Air National Guard in Operation Desert Storm. Charlie is also a graduate of Harvard Law School and has served in the Mississippi legislature. Readers will find that he is for all the same good, conservative government that we identify with. Charlie is anti-illegal immigration and will fight to strengthen our military. His office will also be an advocate for military retirees' and veterans' issues. I would urge all who live in the 3rd District to vote for Charlie Ross. - Jim Whittington, Laurel

Clarion Ledger - Letter to the Editor - We need Charlie Ross in 3rd Congressional District - I truly love my country and always take great pride in researching and selecting the best candidate to represent me, my children and my state in Washington. I have absolutely no doubt that Charlie Ross is the only candidate capable and prepared to serve us in the 3rd Congressional District seat being vacated by Chip Pickering. The runoff election is April 1, and citizens must go vote! Every single vote is important and each reader's vote for Ross will ensure that we send a true public servant to Congress. Ross' unequaled experience includes 11 years in the Mississippi Legislature, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, authored tort reform, Jessica's Law, Megan's Law and helped balance the state budget. I am secure in knowing that Charlie will promote strong national defense and strengthening the military. As an Air Force Academy graduate, he has served our country as a military veteran, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and as Mississippi Air National Guard, Desert Storm active-duty pilot. Other crucial issues that are important to Ross are bringing jobs to Mississippi, lower taxes, economic growth, protecting our 2nd Amendment rights, securing our borders, making our cities safe and working as an advocate for veterans' affairs. The facts are crystal clear - Ross is the only candidate who actually has the experience to accomplish any of these goals. His extraordinary wife, Sharon, is a tremendous asset to Charlie. Please vote for Charlie Ross - the man we need in our U.S. Congress! - Jena Thompson, Meridian

Pro Harper Letter

2008-03-19T15:51:00.002-05:00

Scott County Times - Letter to the Editor - Harper Will Uphold Conservative Principles - It is my pleasure to recommend to the voters of the third district an outstanding candidate for Congress. Gregg Harper is a man of intelligence and integrity. He is dedicated to his family, to his church, to his profession and to this great country. Gregg and I share concerns about the moral, ethical, cultural, fiscal and security-related problems of our nation. I believe that he is committed to taking a stand for our conservative principles and to being an eloquent voice, a tireless worker and a consistent voter in Congress. I hope you will consider this outstanding citizen as our voice in Washington. - Roy J. Fountain, Forest

Ross Opens Meridian HQ

2008-03-19T09:44:00.000-05:00

WTOK - Ross Opens Campaign Headquarters - Former Mississippi state senator, Charlie Ross, opened his campaign headquarters in Meridian Tuesday. It's located at 2118 Front Street, near Jean's Restaurant. Ross says it's important that he have a major presence in Meridian during the run-up to the runoff. "This is a statement to the people of east Mississippi of how important I view Meridian and Lauderdale County and all of east Mississippi," said Ross. "I want to also say I'll have an office here in Meridian if I'm fortunate enough to be elected congressman." Ross' competitor in that race, Gregg Harper, also has a campaign headquarters in Meridian at the corner of 8th Street and 22nd Avenue, which he opened several weeks ago. The primary is Apr. 1.

Salter Blog: Harper Mo

2008-03-19T09:42:00.001-05:00

ClarionLedger.com - Sid Salter Blog - Harper's momentum growing? - A $500 per person/couple fundraiser for 3rd District congressional candidate Gregg Harper of Pearl will get underway this afternoon in downtown Jackson at the Electric Building. With Harper now facing first primary frontrunner and former Rankin County legislator Charlie Ross in the GOP second primary, it's likely that Harper's support from fans of Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant — and possibly from Bryant himself — will begin to manifest itself in the runoff showdown with Ross. Ross angered Bryant during their 2007 Republican primary tilt over what Bryant considered negative ads attacking Bryant. At any rate, there was no love lost between Bryant and Ross after that campaign despite Ross making an endorsement of Bryant in his general election race with former Democratic state Rep. Jamie Franks of Mooreville.

ClarionLedger.com - Sid Salter Blog - 3rd District runoff: What to look for in the next 12 days... - In the 3rd Congressional District runoff election, first primary frontrunner Charlie Ross faces the dubious task of trying to hold his lead with reduced turnout and to pick up the support of his vanquished opponents. He faces that task with Republicans loyal to Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant now actively working against him — still stinging from the Bryant-Ross GOP primary in 2007. Many of David Landrum's supporters blame Ross, rightly or wrongly, for their candidate's problems in the first primary.Bryant attended Harper's Tuesday night $500 a person reception in downtown Jackson at the Electric Building.On the up side, Ross has the support of the Club For Growth. On the down side, CFG has a reputation for negative campaigning. Going negative is a highly risky strategy for Ross on several levels. While Ross will pick up the tort reform crowd in the runoff from other candidates, his appeal to other groups is limited.Gregg Harper will get the vast majority of evangelical Republican support. Supporters of David Landrum are far more likely to gravitate to Harper than to Ross. Harper has the superior ground game in Rankin County and as he showed in the first primary, in the rural areas of the district. Lauderdale County is vital in this matchup for Ross. A lower turnout is likely to favor Harper, who knows how to get his folks to the polls.Advantage? I think Harper is well-positioned to win this GOP runoff. He kept his campaign clean, worked his ground game and raised just enough money to stay on television. As evidenced by last night's reception, Harper's finding it easier to raise money in the second primary.

New Ross Spot: Veteran

2008-03-19T09:21:00.002-05:00

Aaron Rice, an Iraq War Veteran, discusses the need for Charlie Ross, a Desert Storm Veteran, in Congress.

For more on the Marine in the spot, here is a speech he gave at the MRAP kickoff celebration for International Truck and Engine Co. in Westpoint, Mississippi. International began producing Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles for the United States Marine Corps in June of 2007.

From The Blogs

2008-03-18T15:51:00.003-05:00

RightOfMississippi - Charlie Ross is the best candidate to represent the Third District - This blog has been reletively silent about the third district congressional race but now that the runoff is upon us we have a pretty obvious choice here between a tested and competent State Senator in Charlie Ross and a relatively unexperienced former county GOP chairman in Gregg Harper. While we don’t have a problem with Harper personally we find that he is most likely only in this situation not on his own merit but because of the implosion of the David Landrum Campaign. Ross has been through 2 tough primary battles in the last year, he is a known quantity and while not flashy he will be a solid and reliable replacement for outgoing Rep. Chip Pickering and a steady advocate for Mississippi in the complicated and intricate world of Washington D.C. politics. This blog wholeheartedly endorses Senator Charlie Ross in the April 1st runoff election. All the best Charlie, -ROM

TheStarBlog - Vote for anybody you want - Someone asked me today, "If you voted for someone in the primary, doesn't that mean you have to vote for them in November, too?" I want to let as many people as I possibly can know that the answer to that question is a big fat NO. Nope, not even, no, no, no. You are fully entitled to change your mind about a candidate between the primary and the general election, and in a general election you are also fully entitled to vote for candidates in as many different parties as you want. However, you cannot vote in the April 1st run-off between Charlie Ross and Gregg Harper if you voted on a Democratic ballot in the March 11th primary. This is because the run-off, which is between two Republicans, is an actually an extension of the primary. If you didn't vote at all on March 11th, you can still vote on April 1st. If you live in Lauderdale County and have questions about your eligibility to vote, call the circuit clerk's office at 601-482-9731. If you would like to learn more about the candidates, you can find info on all of them at www.votesmart.org. Check tomorrow's Star for a detailed story on who can and can't vote on April Fool's day. - Jennifer Jacob, Staff Writer jjacob@themeridianstar.com (UPDATE: Meridian Star - Voter Info: Who can vote April 1)

Ross Puts In $55,000

2008-03-18T08:40:00.001-05:00

Charlie Ross has self-contributed $55,000 to his campaign for the run off in two weeks.

Roll Call: Runoffs Loom

2008-03-17T08:26:00.000-05:00

Roll Call - Magnolia State Runoffs Loom - In the central Mississippi 3rd district, where Rep. Chip Pickering (R) is retiring at the end of this Congress, Pickens Alderman Joel Gill (D) will face the winner of the April 1 Republican runoff between state Sen. Charlie Ross and former Ranking County Republican Chairman Gregg Harper. In the crowded race, Ross, who was no doubt helped by the name recognition he built during a failed 2007 campaign for lieutenant governor, took 33 percent of the vote on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Harper edged out wealthy businessman David Landrum by about 1,800 votes to make the runoff with 28 percent.

Two weeks ago Landrum seemed to be a sure bet to make the runoff based on his strong media presence in the district that was funded by $545,000 of his own money. But a controversy, first stirred up by former Pickering aide John Rounsaville — who took just 10 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s primary — over whether Landrum voted in past state elections, took its toll on the businessman. The controversy turned into a firestorm. Late last week, Landrum lashed out at Rounsaville and Ross in a television spot that insinuated the two were involved in “dirty” campaign tactics.

Of the four top contenders in the race, Harper turned out to be the only candidate to avoid being caught up in the mudslinging that developed and his strong grassroots campaign allowed him to slip, somewhat under the radar, into the runoff.

In a head to head matchup with Ross, Harper won’t be under the radar any longer. But Harper does have a few things going for him in the runoff. First, by being able to avoid the Landrum voting record firestorm he might earn the endorsement of Landrum in the runoff. A spokesman for Landrum said Wednesday that any endorsement decision by Landrum wouldn’t be coming until next week at the earliest. Harper’s other asset is that he outperformed Ross in the district’s largest Republican stronghold, Rankin County, where both hail from. Harper took 38 percent of the vote in Rankin while Ross took 34 percent, according to the Clarion Ledger’s unofficial numbers.

Ross appears likely to continue to campaign on a message of experience, pointing to his 11 years in the Mississippi state legislature. “We’re going to try to continue to get our conservative message out,” said Ross communications director Kell Smith. “We did receive the most votes Tuesday. ... It’s always good to have more votes than the other guy.”

$2,119,435

2008-03-15T17:42:00.003-05:00

Totals raised by the top four candidates before the primary election (includes contributions later refunded).

David Landrum $1,045,244
($485,000 of this was self-contributed)

Charlie Ross $593,946
(He has filed $14,600 in addition to that since the election)

Gregg Harper $246,865
(Includes a $20,000 self-contribution 6 days before the election)

John Rounsaville $233,380

The total raised by the top four candidates for the primary: $2,119,435

Marcy, Hatcher Endorse Ross

2008-03-15T08:36:00.003-05:00

WTOK - Ross Gets Candidate Endorsements - Former state senator Charlie Ross Friday picked up the endorsements of Meridianites, Bill Marcy and Greg Hatcher. Those two men both ran against him in the primary, but were not among the top two in votes. They endorsed Ross during a news conference outside the Lauderdale County Courthouse. "They're conservatives like I am. They believe in the same pro-life, pro-second amendment, pro-jobs, pro-national defense agenda," said Ross. "I'm especially proud, because there were two candidates in this race from east Mississippi, specifically Meridian, and both of them have chosen to endorse me."

Meridian Star - More endorsements for Charlie Ross - Now that Greg Hatcher and Bill Marcy, the two Republican Meridianites who ran for the U.S. House in the 3rd Congressional District primary March 11, are out of the running for that seat, they have both given their endorsements to former opponent Charlie Ross. Ross will face Jackson area attorney Gregg Harper in an April 1 run-off election for the seat, which will be vacated by Chip Pickering at the end of term. Hatcher said at a press conference Friday that he chose to endorse Ross because of "the depth of knowledge and service he has given Mississippi." Marcy said he gave his endorsement because he feels Ross "comes with a mass amount of experience... He's done a lot of wonderful things for the state and Meridian.

The Gregg Harper campaign released the following statement in regard to Ross' endorsements: "Endorsements are certainly one of many aspects important to Gregg Harper's campaign. Next Thursday, March 20, we will also be announcing several significant endorsements for our campaign at a news conference in Meridian."

TheStarBlog notes that Gil Carmichael is also on board with Charlie Ross.

Ross v Harper

2008-03-13T09:09:00.000-05:00

WTOK - Ross And Harper Move On To Runoff - Republican Party Officials haven't even finished certifying Tuesday's election results and they are already moving on to the run off. Charlie Ross and Gregg Harper will face each other in three weeks to determine the party nominee for the November General Election.

"You leave one and start another," said Sally Brown, Lauderdale County Republican Party Chair.

With Ross coming from Brandon and Harper from Pearl, Brown believes the two candidates could split the central Mississippi vote. This would make East Mississippi critical in the runoff.

"They will split the vote of the there so they want to get Lauderdale County and who ever gets is will probably win the election," said Brown.

After getting the most votes Tuesday night, former State Senator, Ross, says he is happy to be the leader. Wednesday steady campaigning resumed and Ross says Meridian is a focus. "I make a commitment to the people of Meridian you will see me a lot for the next three weeks, but when I win this seat I will be your congressman," said Ross.

Through the campaign, Harper, who is city prosecutor for the cities of Richland and Brandon, has said he wants to maintain a clean campaign and he now says he will continue that through the runoff. "We will continue to do our best to honor the Lord and we will continue to run a clean campaign and we will work until seven o'clock at night on April 1st," said Harper.

Ad Wars

2008-03-13T09:08:00.001-05:00

WLBT - Ad Wars: Did Negative Ads Boomerang in Congressional Race? - Two candidates are headed to a runoff in the Republican race for the 3rd Congressional District. Former State Senator Charlie Ross received 33 percent of the vote. Attorney Gregg Harper drew 28 percent. That's not bad for two candidates who so far have chosen not to go negative in their advertising.

Harper says it was a decision he made from the beginning. "I know it helped. We had a number of people in that last week who said, we appreciate you didn't get in the middle of all that," he says.

Ross had run several attack ads against Phil Bryant last year in the race for Lieutenant Governor. He lost the race, so we asked him if he purposely shied away from negative campaigning this time around. He didn't answer the question directly. "The difference between me and my opponents in this race is, I have a record of performance in the legislature. That's the message I'm conveying to the public," he says.

This time, Ross was the target of a negative ad. Candidate David Landrum ran an ad which ironically points out Ross's prior negative ads didn't work. Landrum came in third in the current race.

John Rounsaville, who came in fourth, ran one of the highest profile ads, attacking Landrum's voting record. We asked Rounsaville about the effects of his ad campaign. He said "It helped Gregg Harper out a lot." We asked if he had any regrets about the ad campaign. He said he wouldn't have done anything differently. And regarding his political future, he said he's exploring his options.

And what about endorsements for the remaining candidates? Landrum says he will talk to some of his supporters, and then decide.

A spokesman for Congressman Chip Pickering, who is vacating the 3rd Congressional seat, says, "(The Congressman) has been neutral so far. We expect him to stay neutral".

Landrum Concedes

2008-03-13T09:01:00.003-05:00

WTOK - Landrum Concedes District Three Race - One of the initial front runners in the district three congressional race, David Landrum, will not continue on in that race. Around 11 p.m. Tuesday, Landrum conceded the race, ending his first try at politics. The Madison County businessman spent several thousand dollars of his own money in the race. Many people point to negative campaign tactics by some of his opponents as Landrum's downfall. "In a sense, you almost feel -- in this world -- that you're back in elementary school where kids can be real rude and real mean. I understand why a lot of people wouldn't get into politics and not try this, but I have no regrets. Because I have thick skin, I can kind of let that stuff bounce off of me," said Landrum. Landrum hasn't ruled out a future campaign, but says for now he will be returning to his business.

Mississippi Perspective - David Landrum: Stupid Politician Tricks - As a general rule, I do not enjoy the misery of others. That said, there was some satisfaction in watching David Landrum’s political meltdown over the past few weeks. In watching him completely unravel, I wished for a new segment on David Letterman — Stupid Politician Tricks. Of course, Landrum denies being a politician. That’s crap. Up until two weeks ago, it appeared Landrum was poised to make a runoff with former Sen. Charlie Ross. Then came the voting “scandal”. Ironically, Ross and Gregg Harper — the duo now in the runoff — stayed quiet as former Pickering boy John Rounsaville led the attack on Landrum. No matter what he said, under no circumstance should he have fabricated evidence and lied about those signatures being his own, much less that of his wife. Landrum had run a textbook campaign. He used his considerable wealth and went to television early to build name recognition. He hit hot-button issues that played to his conservative base. He presented himself as a strong businessman with Christian convictions and a loving family. He was a political outsider wanting to reform D.C. for other Mississippians. Then he imploded. And, I watched on with a smile.

Jackson Jambalaya - Interesting discussion on Primerica - Over on Tigerdroppings.com we are having a discusson on Primerica, as it came up during the campaign due to David Landrum's involvement in the company. Interesting comments are made: http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/messagetopic.asp?p=7450161&pg=1#lp

Ross wins Madison

2008-03-13T08:58:00.002-05:00

Madison County Journal - Ross wins county after mild turnout - While Republicans in the Third District congressional race favored Charlie Ross over two county residents, turnout was suprisingly high among Madison County Democrats in primary elections on Tuesday as Barack Obama outperformed his statewide numbers with 76 percent of the vote here, despite Hillary Clinton's surprise visit to Canton late last week.

Madison County Republicans favored Charlie Ross over Madison residents David Landrum and John Rounsaville in the Third District race. Ross finished with 3,220 votes, or 36.7 percent of all ballots cast, while Landrum finished with 2,710 votes or 30.9 percent of all votes. Gregg Harper came in third place in the county with 1,745 votes, or 19.9 percent, and John Rounsaville finished with 1,011 Madison County votes for 11.5 percent of ballots.

"I did well throughout the district, not only in Rankin County but in Madison County and elsewhere," Ross said. "With Republican voters, philosophy matters." He congratulated Harper, who surprised many by beating out Landrum, and called him a "strong candidate" in a "strong field" of Republicans.

Harper ran a grassroots campaign and spent the last week touring the district on a bus that Garth Brooks once owned. "Nobody kind of watching this race really thought we ever had a chance to ever make a run off," Harper said just before midnight. "But we knew it on the ground that we had the momentum that was growing and building for the last four or five weeks." Harper said he thought his recent 30-second television advertisement that showed his son Livingston, who has special needs because of "Fragile X" syndrome, really touched voters by giving them a glimpse into his family life.

Ross said despite the prognostications, he wasn't sure who could make it to the run-off with him. "I really didn't know who I would be in the run-off with," Ross said. "My focus was on getting into the run-off. I was confident I would be in the run-off."

A total of 8,768 votes in Madison County were cast in the Third District GOP primary that became controversial during the campaign's last few weeks, largely due to reports that Landrum had not voted in an election from 2000 to 2007.

Madison Purge Update

2008-03-13T08:52:00.002-05:00

Madison County Journal - Change to voter rolls called into question - A county election commissioner accused of inappropriately moving over 10,000 voters from active to inactive status since the beginning of the year said she was simply doing her job. District 1 Election Commissioner Sue Sautermeister came under fire late last week when it was revealed she had been changing voters' status since the start of this year. Election Commission Chairman Kakey Chaney said this was done improperly.

Statistics indicate that there are several thousand more voters registered on the books than actual eligible voters. According to estimates from the 2006 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 87,419, but only 63,000 of those residents are over 18 and eligible to vote. As of March 7, there were 70,871 registered voters on the books, according to numbers provided by Circuit Clerk Lee Westbrook.

Sautermeister has said she will not resign from her position despite calls for her to do so, and has remained steadfast in her belief that the Election Commission has delayed cleaning up the voter rolls for far too long.

Westbrook said she had received a surprisingly low volume of calls from voters concerned about the issue over the past week. "Either people are not alarmed, or it's one of those things they'll think about on Election Day," she said last Friday. "Every one of us thought we would be bombarded."

Sautermeister admitted in an interview last week that "the timing may be off" because of Tuesday's federal election, but maintained that keeping the voter rolls clean should be a priority for Election Commission members. "This is part of our job, to keep the voter rolls clean," she said. "This is something we're supposed to be doing. The others knew I was doing it." She added that she believed there was a legal difference between making voters inactive and purging them from the books and had requested clarification from Hosemann's office before Wednesday.

Voters may be made inactive if these notification cards are not filled out and returned in 30 days. Inactive voters who do not vote in the two subsequent federal elections are purged from the voter rolls.

"It appears Sue Sautermeister inactivated voters but before sending the required notice to voters," Chaney told the supervisors on Monday. But Sautermeister countered that since the county had never undertaken such an effort before, it was unclear what the correct procedure should be for the county.

"We still don't know how the process works," she said, adding that some commissioners from other counties had told her that voters could be made inactive prior to notification cards being sent.

Westbrook said the commissioners had been collecting returned mail since they took office at the start of 2005 as the first step towards cleaning up the voter rolls.

The words "purged" and "inactive" had been used interchangeably but incorrectly over the past week, according to Westbrook, since purged voters are those who are deceased or those who have felony convictions that forbid them to vote.

Sautermeister said she hoped the situation would raise awareness of the county's ongoing problem with inflated voter rolls. Too many people, she said, are not voting in the correct precincts and should update their voter registration information whenever it is necessary.

Westbrook and Sautermeister differed about the status of Mississippi Third District congressional candidate David Landrum, a Madison County resident, whom Sautermeister made inactive. While Westbrook said she would not have inactivated Landrum and recently personally confirmed that Landrum was a county resident who had recently moved, Sautermeister said her decision was correctly based on pieces of returned mail.

Ross, Harper in Run Off

2008-03-12T09:24:00.002-05:00

ClarionLedger.com564 of 565 Precincts Reporting - 99%

GOP
Ross, Charlie 21,999 33%
Harper, Gregg 18,657 28%
Landrum, David 16,831 26%
Rounsaville, John 6,840 10%
Hatcher, Gregory 727 1%
Broadwater, James 420 1%
Marcy, Bill GOP 1%

DEM
Gill, Joel 42,925 53%
Eads, Randy 37,339 47%

Club for Growth: Ross, Rounsaville, Landrum

2008-03-11T13:30:00.001-05:00

Club for Growth - Today's Election in MS-03 - Club members and supporters might be interested in tracking the results of today's GOP primary race in Mississippi's 3rd congressional district. This is an open seat left by the retiring Rep. Chip Pickering. There are seven candidates on the ballot, but here are the serious contenders:

Charlie Ross
John Rounsaville
David Landrum

The winner of this primary will need to get above 50%. Otherwise, he will go into a run-off scheduled for April 1st against the second-place finisher. Election results should be available here and here shortly after the polls close at 8pm EDT.

The Candidates

2008-03-11T01:00:00.002-05:00

WLBT - Crowded 3rd Congressional District Race - Nine men are running for the 3rd District Congressional seat left vacant by Chip Pickering. Seven Republicans and two Democrats are vying for your vote to fill Mississippi's 3rd District Congressional seat. We will start with the Democrats, Randy Eads and Joel Gill.

Eads lives in Starkville and owns a real estate investment company. To promote low unemployment rates and business growth, he would lower taxes for the middle class and introduce legislation requiring a minimum wage increase every two years.

Gill is a Pickens alderman and also works as a cattle broker. He believes illegal immigration is the greatest threat to our country. Gill wants employers who hire undocumented workes should face sizable penalties.

As for the Republicans, James Broadwater stands out from his opponents as the only candidate who wants to do away with the IRS and the income tax. Broadwater lives in Flowood and is a state government employee.

Rankin county attorney Gregg Harper lives in Pearl. He calls illegal immigration the "red meat" issue he will focus on. Harper also pledges to help children with special needs. Gregory Hatcher is a Meridian native. In office he pledges to focus on increased research and development for alternative energy sources.

Hatcher wants to create jobs and build wealth for people in the district. Bill Marcy served as a military police platoon sergeant with the national guard. The Madison resident says national security is his number one priority.

David Landrum has been in the news lately defending his voting record. One of his opponents John Rounsaville accuses landrum of not voting in the last seven years. Landrum says he has voted in the 2003 and 2007 statewide elections. The Air Force and US Army veteran, supports improving pay and benefits for the men and women in the armed forces.

Rounsaville is a Mississippi state graduate and served as Deputy Chief of staff for Congressman Chip Pickering. He then served as a policy advisor for Governor Haley Barbour. Rounsaville believes we need to win the war on terror by supporting our military in Iraq.

Charlie Ross recently ran for the Leuitenant Governor seat. Now the former State Senator from district 20 hopes to make a difference in Congress. The gulf war veteran wants to protect mississippi's military bases and opposes tax increases.

Meridian Star - Candidates face off - James Broadwater: He took the restaurant campaign route Monday, visiting eateries in the Jackson Metro Area such as the Golden Corral in Flowood and AJ's Seafood Grill in Ridgeland. He plans to stay home and await results today.

Randy Eads: On Monday, Eads attended a Barack Obama rally in Columbus and had plans to speak at a Hillary Clinton event in Natchez. Today, he said he will continue to travel the district, campaigning at polling places, and will await election results at his home in Starkville.

Joel Gill: He said he will spend today the same way he spent Monday — traveling the district and dropping in on municipal officials and past supporters, and trying to get his message out to anyone he happens to encounter. On Monday, he also attended a Barack Obama rally in Columbus.

Gregg Harper: He spent the last week on a bus tour of the Third District, visiting almost every county in which he is on the ballot. Today, he plans to campaign by making phone calls, especially in the Rankin County area. He will await election results at the Hilton Hotel on County Line Road in Jackson — a gathering that is open to the public.

Greg Hatcher: He campaigned by making phone calls Monday, and has the same plans for today.

David Landrum: He campaigned around the district Monday, talking to everyone from radio stations to random restaurant patrons to try to drum up more support in the last hours of his campaign. Today, he had plans for an early morning speech to exercising voters at a health club, and will hold public a gathering at the Agriculture Museum on Lakeland Drive in Jackson at 8 p.m. to await election results.

Bill Marcy: He spent Monday trying to talk to as many people as possible by going door-to-door, and put flyers in windshields while he was at it. He plans to do the same thing today, and said he will campaign until the polls close tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Charlie Ross: He campaigned in Meridian Monday, visiting Naval Air Station Meridian and the National Guard Base. Today he will be out and about in the Jackson Metro area, meeting people, visiting restaurants, and his volunteers will be holding up campaign signs. He will await election results from a public gathering at the Sports Hall of Fame on Lakeland Drive in Jackson.

John Rounsaville: He has been traveling the district politicking at restaurants, and plans to go to polling places district-wide today to try and get more votes just moments before voters make up their minds.

Ross in Meridian

2008-03-11T00:59:00.000-05:00

WTOK - Ross Tours Meridian Military Bases - One of the candidates, Charlie Ross, spent Monday in Meridian. He toured both NAS Meridian and the National Guard base. Ross said the military will be high on his agenda if elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. "I wanted to let people know that it is important to me," said Ross. "And if I'm so fortunate to be elected, it will be a major priority keeping the bases here in Meridian. They are economic engines here in the community and they're good for the country." If elected, Ross said he would keep a permanent district office here.

From The Blogs

2008-03-11T00:54:00.002-05:00

Jackson Jambalaya - Why should we listen to Mary Hawkins-Butler? - Considering she endorsed and promoted a Democrat in last fall's election, why should Republicans listen to her when it comes to voting in the Republican primary for replacing Chip Pickering tomorrow? [Note: MHB is for DL]

Andy Taggart - Here's my scorecard for tomorrow - Third District GOP Congressional Primary - David Landrum has been in trouble for three weeks, and in freefall for nearly two weeks. The only question I have heard from observers is whether he has fallen far enough to fall all the way out of a run-off. I believe he has. Although I think there could be less than five percentage points distance between the top three vote getters, I think Gregg Harper and Charlie Ross will come out on top and meet again in three weeks.

Marshall Ramsey - Remember to vote - Remember to vote tomorrow. In fact, tomorrow's election is so important, that even David Landrum will vote (sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Ledger Blogs: Harper, Eads

2008-03-10T16:41:00.002-05:00

ClarionLedger.com - Sid Salter Blog - Gregg Harper's ground game is already hard at work - Rankin County attorney Gregg Harper, the Republican 3rd District congressional candidate who has been outspect by David Landrum and Charlie Ross is gaining ground in the waning days of the election. His ground game — a concentrated, organized GOTV effort that Harper has successfully utilized to help other Republicans do well in Rankin County in the past has now been deployed on his behalf. If there is a dark horse on the GOP side of this race, it is Harper. Landruma nd Ross have the clear money lead — outspending Harper by three and two times respectively. But Harper has people networking mightily on his behalf. In a primary, that could be significant.

ClarionLedger.com - Student Blog - Eads....Leads!!! - The third congressional district race will prove to be an exciting contest in the fall; however, if Mississippians want a true Democrat on the ticket (as compared to two Republicans)...there is only one choice: Randy Eads. Eads, unlike his opponent, is a Mississippi native and is well aware of the issues that are impotant to the people of the third district. Randy is a major supporter of all levels of education from early childhood to post graduate college studies. His solutions for our failing system include ending the No Child Left Behind mandate and focusing on recruiting and retaining the best Mississippi teachers available while funneling our investments in high growth sectors of the state. Randy Eads knows the economy. He received a bachelors degree at the University of Tennessee studying the system. Eads supports returning to a system of fiscal responsibility and taking the steps needed to balance the budget. But, if your not voting on the issues and your in favor of change and experiance...Eads would provide both. Eads has triple the education of his rival, twice the experiance, and solutions to every problem faced by Mississippi voters. His opponent only highlights the problems and offers no promise to fellow Mississippians other than to step aside if the voters are not satisfied in two years. Personally, I do not think Mississippi can afford to grant a candidate two years to prove his worth...on Tuesday vote for the candidate that believes in Mississippi...vote for the candidate ready to lead Mississippi...vote Randy Eads for the Third Congressional District...it's common sense for common goals!!!

CQ on Mississippi 3

2008-03-10T13:47:00.002-05:00

CQpolitics - Mississippi Primary to Fix GOP Favorites for Open House Seats - A total of seven Republicans will appear on Tuesday’s 3rd District ballot and will likely split the vote to such a degree that a runoff will be required.

David Landrum, a wealthy financial services businessman, is heavily self-financing his campaign. He passed the $1 million mark in total receipts last week when he put more than $500,000 in personal funds into his campaign treasury. Landrum’s big bankroll has enabled him to run a major advertising campaign in the district and increase his name ID. It has also made him a target. Landrum recently was in local headlines over his past political alliances. It was revealed that Landrum donated money during the 2003 race for governor to both Democrat Musgrove, then the incumbent and now Wicker’s Senate challenger, and Republican Barbour, who ended up winning the race. When pressed about how he voted that year, Landrum said he backed Barbour. His campaign then released documentation showing Landrum and his wife’s signatures in the voter sign-in books for that election. Later, Landrum said the signatures were not valid after their authenticity was called into question by the Clarion-Ledger, but Landrum maintains he and his wife did vote in that election.

Landrum is just one of several candidates whom local Republicans say make up the top tier of the field. He is joined by former state Sen. Charlie Ross, who has a statewide profile owing to his unsuccessful 2007 run for lieutenant governor. The Clarion Ledger endorsed Ross over the past weekend, noting his experience in the legislature as well as his military service during the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990s. “Ross can be effective on the first day he goes to Washington,” said the endorsement.

Ross and Landrum, though, face strong competition from John Rounsaville, a former state rural development director for the U.S. Deparment of Agriculture and a former aide to both Barbour and Pickering, and Gregg Harper, the former GOP chairman in heavily Republican Rankin County in suburban Jackson.

Another Anti Landrum Youtube Spot

2008-03-10T10:57:00.001-05:00

You Would Rather Lose with Character Than Play Games

MagnoliaPoliticos Hits Landrum for RoboCalls

2008-03-10T10:05:00.001-05:00

From MagnoliaPoliticos - Magnoliapoliticos@gmail.com announced that the first major YouTube video in Mississippi that looks-professionally produced was released to the American public today. The video was constructed after the Landrum campaign ignored an inquiry for more than 24 hours regarding the legality of their unsolicited blast-phone calls, which never included a disclaimer regarding whom paid or authorized these unwanted political calls. Magnoliapoliticos@gmail.com follows all FEC guidelines. It is exempt from FEC regulation since it is using the power of email, other's blogging abilities, and YouTube on its own free time without the instruction, knowledge, or authorization from any candidate or party including but not limited to their respective committees. This is America, folks, and we are allowed to speak freely. Thank God for our Constitution."

Ross, Rounsaville campaign in Jackson

2008-03-10T08:02:00.003-05:00

WLBT - Charlie Ross Campaigns on Horseback - The campaign trail turned into a horse trail for one congressional candidate. In Brandon Saturday morning, Charlie Ross teamed with his wife Sharon and some campaign workers to canvass the Crossgates neighborhood on horseback. Ross is a Republican candidate for the Third Congressional District. Their goal is to meet more constituents and encourage people to vote in the primary on Tuesday. "I'm excited about this election, I hope everyone will go vote. It's so important to vote, it's a privilege, a responsibility, and I just encourage everyone to go vote."

WLBT - Rounsaville Campaign Hits Jackson Area - John Rounsaville supporters visited Capital City voters Saturday. Volunteers carrying yard signs and hangers knocked on doors in Belhaven. Rounsaville is a Republican hoping to fill Chip Pickering's vacant congressional seat. The Mississippi State alum served as a top aide to Governor Haley Barbour and Congressman Chip Pickering. Supporters hope their face to face time with voters will make a difference. Rounsaville volunteer, Brian Berry had this to say: "personal endorsement is the most powerful tool in politics today, and so we're doing that, door to door. We're going up and saying 'Hey, I'm from Belhaven,' and going to my neighbors and saying, 'I'm voting for John Rounsaville, and I hope you do too." Volunteers for Rounsaville are also canvassing neighborhoods today in Meridian and Starkville.

Landrum Self-Contributes Another $15,000

2008-03-10T07:54:00.002-05:00

David Landrum self-contributed another $15,000 to his campaign which brings his total self-funding to $545,000.

Jere Nash Blog - Third Congressional District Finances - Once candidates for federal office filed their pre-primary campaign finance reports a couple of weeks ago, they are required to disclose any major contributions within 48 hours to the FEC. Totaling up those 48-hour reports, in the Third District, Charlie Ross has raised $207,346, way ahead of his competitors. Landrum reports $66,300 in recent contributions, while Rounsaville has $54,000 to report and Harper $44,500. On the other hand, Landrum has dumped another $135,000 of his own money into the race, bringing that total to $545,000. And Harper put $20,000 of his own money into the campaign. From looking at all of the reports, it appears that by the end of the primary, Landrum will have spent right at $1 million on the campaign; Ross will have spent almost $700,000; and Harper and Rounsaville will each have spent about a quarter of a million dollars. We'll know by tomorrow night if Harper's political networks can overcome this financial disparity or if Landrum's spending can compensate for all the negative publicity he's received.

Ledger Online Letters

2008-03-10T07:46:00.002-05:00

Rounsaville Best to Represent Third District - Jo McCormick, Newton

David Landrum Is The Right Choice - Chip Estes, Flora

Eads The Man for the Job - E. Patterson, Ellisville

Charlie Ross is the Most Qualified - Barbara Vanlandingham, Caledonia

Rounsaville Right Choice for Congress - Mike Hurst, Madison

David Landrum distorted truth - B.J. Cougle, Starkville

I'm For David Landrum - Kevin Macdonald, Jackson

Landrum Should Come Clean - Mike Hurst, Madison

Ledger Endorses Ross

2008-03-10T07:39:00.002-05:00

Clarion Ledger - Endorsement: Ross - In the 3rd Congressional District, Pickens alderman and businessman Joel Gill is the best choice in the Democratic primary. He enunciates a clear vision that has resonated across the expansive district and has run the most credible, active campaign.

In the Republican primary in the 3rd District, former state Sen. Charlie Ross of Brandon has emerged from a strong field of candidates as the most experienced legislator and the candidate who offers the very credible ability to hit the ground running in representing the 3rd District's interests. On balance, Ross outpaces the GOP field in offering maturity, experience and a record of solid accomplishment in the Legislature.

Ross served in Desert Storm and understands perhaps better than any Republican candidate in the 3rd District race the challenges the nation faces in the wars on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. That experience uniquely qualifies him to carry on legendary U.S. Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery's service to America's veterans, Guardsmen and Reservists.

Ross can be effective on the first day he goes to Washington.

Clarion Ledger - Letter to the Editor - Ross will quickly get job done in Congress - We have a critical national office to fill and we can't afford to send an inexperienced person to represent Mississippi. This office is a two-year term that will require over a year for an inexperienced individual to become effective with his duties. Soon after he really gets indoctrinated, he has to plan and work and speak to assure his election for another two years. If we elect Charlie Ross, we will have a U.S. representative who will know immediately how to get the necessary programs done. He has proven this by his successful work done on tort reform. Our state has begun to see the results of what we are receiving from passage of this important legislation. Industries have started to consider and are coming to our state. This means more and better paying jobs for our people. The medical profession is no longer leaving our state or considering early retirement. We have the "castle doctrine" which helps us protect our homes. We can thank Charlie for this. We need a representative to work for our military. Who is better qualified for this job than a graduate from the Air Force Academy plus active duty with the Air Force in North Dakota? Then he flew C-141 Aircraft with the Mississippi Air National Guard in the Desert Storm conflict. Think of the contacts with important people that he has known at the Air Force Academy and the regular Air Force. He has also made important friends while receiving his law degree from Harvard Law School. Charlie had a lot to do to get and expedite the four-lane highway over the Ross Barnett Reservoir spillway plus many other accomplishments while in the Mississippi House and Senate. I will admit that he has good people running against him, but none can get started as soon as he arrives in Washington like Charlie. He knows how the political world works and how to get results. - Howard Richardson, Brandon

My Analysis of David Landrum's Vote*

2008-03-08T10:18:00.001-06:00

My Analysis of David Landrum's Vote*

1) John Rounsaville produced evidence indicating David Landrum had not voted after the 2000 general election or before the 2007 general election. Now the burden of proof is on David Landrum.

2) David Landrum produced records he said showed he attempted to cast a ballot in the 2003 primary and general by affidavit. After a Clarion Ledger investigation, it was found those were not his signatures, something David Landrum eventually admitted. So he has no proof he attempted to vote.

3) John Rounsaville's campaign further demonstrated that David Landrum was not registered to vote in Hinds County in 2003. So even if he had tried to cast a ballot (which he could not prove even that) it would not have been accepted. He could not, thus he did not, vote.

4) David Landrum next claimed someone stole his ballot and pointed to Pete Perry, John Rounsaville's treasurer, as someone who was in the record room. However, Pete Perry went to the records room in response to the Landrum Campaign's release of their now admitted false proof. Perry went to verify the documents Landrum released. That means the Landrum Campaign was in the record room first. The Landrum Campaign removed records and copied them. If absentee ballots are missing (ballots which would prove the signatures on the sign-in were not David Landrum's signatures), then perhaps as the first ones in the room, the Landrum Campaign "misplaced" them.

5) But the key here is, how do we know ballots are missing? We know because there are fewer ballots in the box than names on the sign-in sheet. But the Landrum Campaign has acknowledged none of the signatures on the sign-in sheet belong to David Landrum. Therefore, if no ballots were missing, if all the ballots were there, if there was a ballot for every signature...there would still be no ballot belonging to David Landrum, because he has no signature on the roll for such a ballot to correspond to.

Conclusion: In the final analysis, there is evidence David Landrum did not vote. There is no evidence he did vote. There is no evidence stolen or missing that could show he voted, because that evidence (the voter roll) is still in the record room and it still says, David Landrum did not vote.

(*Thanks for the emails pro and con that helped to make this case.)

Nash on Landrum

2008-03-08T09:59:00.001-06:00

ClarionLedger.com - Jere Nash - David Landrum & Politicians - Well, there he was again today. David Landrum. On the front page of the Clarion-Ledger. Declaring to all the world that he was “not a politician.” This has been a theme of Landrum’s throughout the campaign – denigrating the very profession he’s trying to join. If David Landrum were in medical school, he’d be saying, “I’m here, but I’m not a doctor.” By definition, those who seek public office are politicians. Can you imagine Landrum walking up to Haley Barbour, sticking out his hand, and saying, “Hi. I’m David Landrum. I’m a candidate for Congress. But I’m not a politician.” Say what you want to about Haley Barbour’s choice of party or his positions on the public policy issues of the day, you have to admire his ability to practice the profession of politics. The irony, of course, is that the way in which Landrum has handled his contribution to Ronnie Musgrove or his prior voting record is just the way a David Landrum caricature of a “politician” would act. A real politician knows that the only currency that matters is honesty.

Rounsaville Campaigns in Meridian

2008-03-08T09:58:00.001-06:00

WTOK - Rounsaville Campaigns in Meridian - An important congressional race is on the ballot in Mississippi's third district. John Rounsaville, a former aide to Cong. Chip Pickering, visited Friday, at Jean's restaurant in downtown Meridian.

"What I'm sharing with voters across the district, with Congressman Pickering, and also as policy advisor to Governor Barbour, I spent the last ten years serving this district and Lauderdale County," said Rounsaville. "That's the message I'm getting out to voters, is experience. "

Ledger: Barbour attacks Landrum

2008-03-08T09:53:00.003-06:00

Clarion Ledger - Neutral no more: GOP attacks one of its own - Landrum trying to divert attention, RNC rep says of voting flap - On Friday, Mississippi's representative to the Republican National Committee, Henry Barbour — who had been neutral in the race - opened fire on fundraising frontrunner David Landrum after Landrum suggested a long-time GOP worker may have stolen Landrum's affidavit ballot in the 2003 Republican primary in Hinds County.

In an e-mail to Republicans, Barbour accused Landrum of "attacking the 'foot soldiers' of the party in an effort to move the focus off of him. ... If he makes the runoff, I would not be surprised to see him effectively try to purchase our nomination. I hope y'all will join me in working to make sure that does not happen."

Landrum - who has raised nearly $1 million, much of it his own money - responded Friday: "I grew up in Jones County, where I learned to stand up for myself. And that is what I'm going to do. I am not a politician, but I understand that Republicans are going to support different candidates in this race, but I believe this has gone to a new low."

The brouhaha began a few weeks back when fellow candidate John Rounsaville said Landrum hadn't voted in seven years. Landrum responded he and his wife, Jill, had voted for Gov. Haley Barbour in every election they could since 2003 and pointed to signatures in the Hinds County voters register as proof. But The Clarion-Ledger discovered two signatures he said were his wife's actually belonged to other people.

Two days later, Landrum's campaign said none of the signatures belonged to the couple and that the news release was sent out "without David's knowledge and approval. It never occurred to either David or Jill to verify the signatures. David accepts responsibility for an honest mistake."

Landrum and his wife have said they voted by affidavit ballot in 2003 in Hinds County in both the Republican primary and general election. Some of the affidavit ballots are missing from the August 2003 primary for Precinct 78, and Landrum insists the couple's votes are among those missing. But Hinds County election officials say anyone who votes must sign the voter register. And no signatures appear to match Landrum's or his wife's.

Landrum's campaign raised questions about the possibility of tampering by releasing an affidavit from Pat Wilson, a machine specialist working with the Hinds County Election Commission. Wilson said Pete Perry, treasurer for the congressional campaign for John Rounsaville, was in the room by himself for more than an hour with 2003 Republican primary election records. After Perry left, Wilson said he noticed three boxes containing the records "were not located where they had been neatly stacked, and they could not be easily located because they were mixed in with many other boxes in the room containing other election records." Perry said Friday he was alone with the records for maybe 10 minutes and was joined by David Ross, son of candidate Charlie Ross, in examining 2003 election records. They found no evidence the couple had voted, Perry said. He acknowledged he didn't restack the boxes as they were before because "they didn't seem to be in any particular order" but denied taking any documents. The handful of affidavit ballots missing now were missing then, he said.

What happened in Madison County to Landrum and his wife could soon be part of the Justice Department investigation. An election commissioner moved more than 10,000 names from the voting rolls from active to inactive, including those of Landrum and his wife.

Jim Herring, chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party, said his role is to not get involved in the primary: "I always take serious Reagan's 11th commandment: Thou shall not speak ill of a fellow Republican." As for the purging, Herring said, "We're not going to know all the answers before the March 11 primary, but sooner or later the facts will come out as to who did what." He called the race so far "a black eye for the party." Instead of focusing on real issues, the campaign has deteriorated, he said. "I think it's a legitimate issue whether a person voted in the past. The whole thing has become an unfortunate episode that damages the party. Our goal is to elect somebody who will win the war, restore the economy for the benefit of our people and preserve the values that Republicans stand for."

Landrum Attacks Ross, Rounsaville in TV spot

2008-03-08T09:45:00.004-06:00

So much for running a positivie campaign. David Landrum proves he is a politician. Now we know where his latest $60,000 self-contribution went.

Last week Jill Landrum said in a campaign email: "I am amazed at how many people have offered me 'dirt' and I mean REAL DIRT on our opponents. I can tell you this… I would rather lose with character than win through mud slinging and playing dirty political tricks."

Rounsaville, Ross tout experience

2008-03-07T14:07:00.003-06:00

Commercial Dispatch - Rousaville touts experience in bid for 3rd Congressional seat - John Rounsaville used to work for U.S. Congressman Chip Pickering and now wants to take the 3rd Congressional District seat his former boss is vacating.

“I'm the only candidate that has experience working for Mississippi on Capitol Hill. I have a decade-long track record delivering results for Mississippi, and I'm the only candidate that can hit the ground running on day one,” Rounsaville said.

The 33-year-old Madison resident served as Pickering's deputy chief of staff and most recently was the U.S. Department of Agriculture's rural development director for Mississippi. Rounsaville has also worked as a staff adviser for Gov. Haley Barbour.

“Governor Barbour has set a strong course for economic growth and job creation in Mississippi, and we've been very successful in locating new industry,” Rounsaville said. “Some areas, however, have not enjoyed this growth. As Governor Barbour's economic development aide, I am confident that I am well-suited to continue the fight to bring higher-skilled and better-paying jobs to help grow the 3rd District.”

“Over the past decade, federal spending has gotten out of control. I will vote for the lowest budget offered in Congress each year. But once that budget is set, I will fight to make sure Mississippi gets its fair share,” he said.

“The McCain-Kennedy bill would have provided amnesty to those who have broken the law, and I was strongly opposed to it,” Rounsaville said. “I think the solution is to secure the border, enforce existing laws, prevent employers from hiring illegal immigrants and reject any form of amnesty.”

Rounsaville is the youngest candidate in the 3rd District's Republican field. “One of the advantages I bring to this race is my age,” he said. “Mississippi has a history of electing young, former congressional aides with great experience to Congress and then leaving them there for a long time to build up seniority and power so they can deliver for our state. Trent Lott, Thad Cochran and Chip Pickering were all in their early 30s when first elected to the House.”

Rounsaville grew up in Calhoun County and received bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural economics from Mississippi State University.

He served 10 months as Mississippi director of the USDA's Office of Rural Development before resigning last September to begin his campaign for the House. Rounsaville previously served as Pickering's deputy chief of staff for five years and then worked three years for Barbour as a policy adviser.

Commercial Dispatch - Ross touts legislative experience in bid for 3rd Congressional seat - Charlie Ross is a former state legislator who ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor last year and is now seeking the U.S. House seat Rep. Chip Pickering is giving up.

“I am the only candidate with experience in the legislative arena. I will be able to hit the ground running in Washington,” Ross said. Ross, who turned 52 today, is an attorney who served 10 years in the Mississippi Senate and one year in the House. He chaired the Senate Judiciary “A” Committee from 2004 through last year.

In his bid for a U.S. House seat, Ross boasts that “experience counts” and highlights his legislative accomplishments in getting bills passed. They include measures to limit damage suits and to strengthen the rights of residents to shoot burglars. He also pushed the enactment of bills to protect children from sexual predators and to impose the death penalty for murders committed on school property.

“While in the Mississippi Senate, I authored the tort reform bill, the Castle Doctrine Law, Jessica's Law and Megan's Law,” Ross said.

A Harvard law school graduate, Ross has received a civil justice achievement award from the American Tort Reform Association and was named legislator of the year by the American Legislative Exchange Council.

“The tax rebates are useful in the short term. More fundamentally, we must extend the Bush tax cuts while at the same time restraining spending,” Ross said.

“The U.S. is in a global war against Islamic extremism,” he said. “We must be strong and resilient, just like we were during the war on fascism during World War II and against communism during the Cold War. Weakness or appeasement will only invite more aggression.”

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Ross was a fighter pilot and veteran of Desert Storm, the 1990s military conflict in Iraq.

“Transportation and infrastructure are not pork. They are investments. Sound economic-development spending and community improvements are not pork. They are investments,” he said. However, he said he does want to limit how members of Congress can tuck projects into bills with little public scrutiny. “I do support reform to allow more transparency in the appropriation process,” he said.

He said he'll focus on constituent services, another key duty congressmen have. “I will be the advocate for veterans and others that have problems with getting answers from the bureaucrats,” he said.

Landrum's Last Straw for Henry Barbour

2008-03-07T12:43:00.003-06:00

(You can also read this email at Sid Salter's Blog where Salter says, "I received this e-mail from Henry Barbour a few minutes ago...it says far more than I can say about Mr. Landrum's voting record and his campaign's activities"

From: Henry Barbour
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2008
Subject: the last straw with David Landrum

I have three friends running for the GOP nomination in the 3rd Cong. District race in MS on March 11. I told each of them last year that I was going to stay out of this race and remain neutral. I have done that. I wish all of them well on Tuesday. However, I am writing because I am furious at David Landrum.

We’ve all read about whether or not he voted over the last 8 years and that he gave Ronnie Musgrove $1,000 days before the election with Haley. He then claimed to have proof that he voted in 2003 by presenting the sign-in sheet for affidavit voters with his signature. For over a week, he stated publicly it was his signature. He told Paul Gallo it was his signature. He told the Clarion Ledger it was his signature. However, after the Clarion Ledger later proved it was not his signature, he admitted it was not. So, he changed his story and then attempted to blame his campaign staff – a cowardly act in my book.

Next, in another effort to salvage an obviously hemorrhaging campaign, he went on the Paul Gallo radio program yesterday morning. On that program, he and his lawyer (can you imagine a political candidate who brings his lawyer to a talk radio show?) accused long-time GOP “foot soldier” Pete Perry of possibly stealing Landrum’s affidavit ballot. They have zero evidence, other than Pete, like several others, was at the Election Commissioner’s office trying to confirm Mr. Landrum’s assertion that he had signed the sign-in sheet, which we now know is not true. Yet, they recklessly attacked Pete Perry’s integrity. And it makes me sick to hear Mr. Landrum say he’s running a “positive campaign”. Give me a break.

Like Pete – I am a “foot soldier” of the GOP and feel compelled to defend my friend and fellow GOP activist. I don’t always agree with Pete, but I know Republicans can always count on him to work with great passion for his Party and our candidates, and I greatly respect that. Therefore, I feel duty-bound to question Mr. Landrum’s hypocritical and arrogant accusations. If he had just come clean and not tried to spin why he had not voted or given money to Musgrove, this would have been a one-day story. I have heard a famous Mississippi political operative say more than a few times when you’ve got bad news – get it out fast. Mr. Landrum has taken a different approach and now has gotten to the point of desperation that he is attacking the “foot soldiers” of the Party in an effort to move the focus off of him. I hate to tell him, but he’s just making us activists angry with his actions. Therefore, I am still neutral in this race, but I urge you to share this with Republican voters in the 3rd CD and ask them to support one of the good candidates.

I am hopeful that Mr. Landrum will not make the run-off; however, I understand he has spent over $400,000 of his own money in this race. If he makes the run-off, I would not be surprised to see him effectively try to purchase our nomination. I hope y’all will join me in working to make sure that does not happen, but hopefully he will finish with only a handful of votes on Tuesday and not make the run-off.

Some of you may not know me, so here’s a little political background on me…I have been involved in Republican politics essentially all of my life. I grew up doing grassroots work in Yazoo City because my father always needed more volunteers in local races. I learned a lot about elections and people. I worked as a field rep in George Bush’s race in 1988 and then moved to DC to work in his administration and then finished my time in Washington working under Haley at the RNC. I came home to Yazoo City and ran Chip Pickering’s first race for Congress in 1995-96 – then ran his “big race” against Ronnie Shows in 2002. I also ran Haley’s race for Governor in 2003. After Mike Retzer stepped down as Republican National Committeeman from Mississippi, I ran for that post, won it and still hold it.

If you find this email helpful, I would encourage you to share it with others. If you don’t, I apologize for the inconvenience.

Thanks,
Henry Barbour

Just Wild about Harper

2008-03-07T09:25:00.000-06:00

Dear Friend,

The voters in the Third Congressional District have several good candidates from which to choose in the upcoming election. If you are not already committed to one of the candidates, I hope you will consider Gregg Harper. If you are already committed, I certainly understand.

Gregg is dedicated to working for the traditional values we believe in. I have no doubt that he will be a strong supporter of those values in Congress.

We need people like Gregg in Washington now more than ever. There is no doubt in my mind that if liberals gain control of government, those of us who believe in traditional values will have many major battles to fight. I want Gregg to be there leading the fight for us.

Be sure to vote. And if you feel so led, encourage your family and friends to join you in voting for Gregg Harper for Congress.

Thanks for caring enough to get involved. I urge you to go vote.

Sincerely,
Donald E. Wildmon

Candidates at MSU

2008-03-07T09:21:00.000-06:00

The MSU Reflector - Hopefuls meet, greet students - SA hosts event for Congressional candidates - Gill said he does not believe in a fast track to citizenship for illegal immigrants but does believe in the privatization of Social Security.

Eads, on the other hand, said he does not support the privatization of Social Security. He said he wants to bring a swift end to the war in Iraq and increase efforts to secure the border. "The average citizen can no longer afford rising gas prices and continue to make ends meet," he said. "Oil companies are making record profits, and the record price of gas is causing a hardship on the American economy."

Landrum said he supports securing U.S. borders, protecting Mississippi values and providing families and small businesses alike with tax relief.

Marcy said he believes in national defense, does not support abortion and feels that illegal immigration must be stopped.

Ross said he is anti-illegal immigration, pro-business, believes in a strong national defense and does not support abortion. "I have a 100 percent voting record in the state legislature on pro-life issues," he said. "If you want to know what kind of congressman I'm going to be, you don't have to listen to what I say. Look at what I've done because I'm not going to change."

If elected, Rounsaville plans on increasing the amount of high-skill jobs in Mississippi and focusing on economic development. "I want to make sure that we have opportunity for jobs," he said. "If you leave the university with a good degree and grades you ought to have the opportunity to stay in Mississippi."

Clarion Letters: Harper, Ross

2008-03-07T08:56:00.001-06:00

Clarion Ledger - Letter to the Editor - Gregg Harper has worked more for Republican Party - Chip Pickering has been a great congressman. We have a large number of good Republican candidates running for his 3rd Congressional District seat. We Republicans should thank our Republican chairman, Jim Herring, for recruiting good candidates. Having been a county chairman and the state Republican Party Chairman for a number of years, I know the work this entails. With numerous candidates running, it is difficult for the voter to determine the best one. Numerous commercials or name recognition from previous campaigns can overshadow the best candidate. I know the candidates and my choice is Gregg Harper. Gregg is a fiscal conservative and a law- and-order conservative with experience as a prosecutor. He has been chairman of the Rankin County Republican Executive Committee and on the state party executive committee for eight years. Gregg has worked tirelessly for numerous candidates including Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant and Gov. Haley Barbour. He answered the call of the state and national parties by spending weeks in Florida helping in the recount for President Bush as well as working for fair elections in Ohio and Missouri. Gregg has worked more for the Republican Party than all the other candidates combined. - Billy R. Powell

Clarion Ledger - Letter to the Editor - Vote for Ross as the best candidate for 3rd District - In choosing a congressman for the Third Congressional District, I believe each voter should determine the most qualified candidate; one who can successfully work to pass meaningful legislation that will benefit the people of Mississippi. That person is Charlie Ross. Charlie is a business man, a partner in a very successful law firm. He was educated at the U.S. Air Force Academy and Harvard University and returned to Mississippi to raise his family and enter the practice of law. As chairman of the Rankin County Republican Executive Committee, Charlie showed strong conservative leadership abilities. Each time Charlie Ross has been elected to public office, he has again proven himself to be a leader. As a member of the Mississippi Senate, he successfully wrote and passed tort reform legislation - with a legislative body that certainly cannot be considered conservative. This legislation has been hailed as a model of the most progressive tort reform in the nation. Charlie also wrote and passed Jessica's Law for the protection of our children and the Castle Doctrine which allows citizens to protect their homes and property. Vote on March 11 to give Charlie Ross a chance to prove he can do in Washington what he has done in Mississippi as a member of the Mississippi Legislature. Let's send someone to Washington that we know can get the job done! - Ann Sturdivant, Brandon

Rounsaville Spot on Landrum

2008-03-07T07:48:00.001-06:00

Southern Political Report: Did Landrum Vote?

2008-03-07T07:46:00.001-06:00

Southern Political Report - Mississippi: Did Congressional Candidate Landrum Vote in 2003? - David Landrum, a wealthy businessman who has poured some $500,000 of his own money into the campaign for the GOP nomination to succeed US Rep. Chip Pickering (R), but his momentum has been slowed by allegations that he did not vote in 2003 or in the elections since then. Landrum, who is dominating the TV air waves in this eight-candidate contest, made the matter worse when his campaign released documents from the voter roll for 2003 that included the signatures of Landrum and his wife. Then the Jackson Clarion-Ledger revealed they were not genuine signatures. Now the betting is that on March 11, former favorite Landrum will be forced into an April 1 runoff with either ex-Pickering staffer John Rounsaville; state Sen. Charlie Ross, a 2007 contender for lieutenant governor; or Gregg Harper, Rankin County GOP chairman.

Voter Purge Investigation

2008-03-07T07:33:00.002-06:00

WLBT - Landrum To Ask For Federal Investigation - Candidate Calls for Federal Investigation into Purging - The names that were wrongly purged from Madison County's voter rolls between December and March have now been restored. Even the names of David Landrum, 3rd District Congressional candidate, and his wife and daughter. Landrum and his attorney, Dale Danks, plan to ask the U.S. Justice Department to investigate why it happened. "This past Sunday, when a rather detrimental news article appeared, (Landrum ) went from an active status to inactive status," Danks says. It's believed Election Commissioner Susan Sautermeister purged the rolls by herself without the approval of the entire commission, which violates federal law. Danks says some, if not all, of the changes were made from Sautermeister's home computer. If several pieces of official mail are returned as undeliverable to a voter's address, election commissioners can use that as one step in the process of removing someone from the rolls.

Incidentally, voter profile reports show two separate Madison County addressess for Landrum: 314 Lake Castle Road, and 105 Longleaf Place. Turns out it's the same house. Landrum says the street address for the house is in the process of being changed from Lake Castle to Longleaf. At least one jury summons addressed to Landrum was returned as undeliverable, but that alone is insufficient reason to purge anyone from the rolls. And records do show that Landrum voted in Madison County last November.

If the mass purging had not been caught, more than 10,000 people may have been forced to vote by affidavit ballot. "It would have been embarrassing to be running for Congress of the United States and be told in front of the cameras that I'm inactive," Landrum says.

Clarion Ledger - Voter rolls: Punishment merited in Madison - Both Hosemann and Madison County Circuit Clerk Lee Westbrook said Wednesday all names should be on the poll books before Tuesday's primaries.

But that doesn't answer the question of how District 1 Election Commissioner Sue Sautermeister could remove the names without prior knowledge or approval of the other four election commissioners. Neither does it answer the question of "why?"

Speculation has abounded that the names were purged in connection with the controversy surrounding 3rd District Republican congressional candidate David Landrum's voting record. The majority of voters removed live in the 3rd District, and Landrum and his wife, Jill, were two of the voters removed. Westbrook said she personally restored both of them to the official books. She said she called Landrum, and "he assured me he still lived in Madison County."

Sautermeister would not say why she undertook the actions now or why she acted on her own, saying, "It doesn't matter because they've all been put back."

The purged rolls would not have solved the issue of whether Landrum voted in 2003 for Gov. Haley Barbour, as he has claimed, providing documents purportedly with his signature, since the item in dispute is a Hinds County voter roll which doesn't seem to conform to his and his wife's signatures.

But it could be used to cloud the issue.

Salter: Butler & Danks - Snowjob for Landrum

2008-03-06T16:23:00.001-06:00

ClarionLedger.com - Sid Salter Blog - Maybe that March snow the weather man is promising has started early... - I have no idea what possessed Madison County Election Commissioner Sue Sautermeister to purge the 2008 Madison County voter rolls in the manner she did. Clearly, David Landrum and his family were not treated fairly in that situation.

But to attempt to link that action in 2008 in Madison County to Landrum's admitted manufacture of false evidence that he voted in Hinds County in 2003 as Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler and former Jackson mayor Dale Danks are doing is simply laughable. It's comparing apples and lugnuts. Landrum and his campaign manager Neil Forbes have already admitted that the campaign made false claims about 2003 signatures that they had earlier promised were legitimate.

What Butler and Danks are doing is providing political cover for Landrum and hoping that the voters become so confused by the 2008 Madison County problem that they will conveniently forget the outrages that Landrum's campaign has already engaged in over in Hinds County's 2003 vote.

The better question is why.

More on Madison Purge

2008-03-06T16:20:00.001-06:00

Madison County Herald - Butler calls for Sautermeister's resignation - Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler is calling for the resignation of Madison County Election Commissioner Sue Sautermeister who was responsible for moving almost 11,000 names from voter rolls. In addition, attorney Dale Danks Jr. is calling for a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the removal of names from Madison County and possible impropriety surrounding the voting record of Republican David Landrum of Madison, a candidate for the 3rd Congressional District seat.

Butler said she is reviewing the names of city residents included in the list of 10,942 removed from the voter registration rolls. “There are over 2,700 of our city voters included,” she said. “The more names I find, the madder I get.”

Board of Supervisors President Tim Johnson said he met with Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann today and was assured that all the names have been restored. Those voters will be able to vote without any problems on Tuesday, he said.

Butler said city employees and other longtime residents, who have voted in recent elections and have not changed their residence, were removed from the rolls. Landrum, his wife and daughter were removed.

“Why did she delete him? She knew he was a candidate,” Butler said. “It makes no sense she would arbitrarily delete a candidate, his wife and daughter.”

Sautermeister said she based the removals on jury notices and voter notification cards that had been returned as undeliverable by the U.S. Postal Service. However, Election Commission Chairman Kakey Chaney said Sautermeister did not follow the procedures the commission has followed the past three years in making voters inactive.

Butler said she believes removing the thousands of names, most of whom live in the 3rd Congressional District, was an attempt to harm Landrum’s campaign. “I think it’s an attempt to derail the heart ... of his congressional base in Madison County,” she said.

Danks said he has written a letter formally requesting an FBI investigation into the series of activities surrounding the election. Besides the removal of the names, which affects the Landrum campaign, Danks said he is submitting an affidavit that raises the question of possible impropriety in Hinds County voter records. “You put all that together and it doesn’t pass the smell test,” Danks said. “This all raises enough questions for the FBI to step in and investigate.” The attempt to remove so many voters from Landrum’s home base could affect Tuesday’s results, Danks said.

Johnson said county officials will wait until after Tuesday’s election to look into Sautermeister’s actions. “We will proceed at whatever rate we need to to make sure there is confidence in our voting procedures,” he said.

Madison County has more voters on the rolls than are included in the 2000 census, Johnson said, so names obviously need to be purged. “But there needs to be a right way to do it,” he said. The Secretary of State’s Office will send representatives to Madison County to discuss appropriate ways to purge the books, Johnson said.

Harper in Meridian

2008-03-06T15:53:00.000-06:00

WTOK - Harper Holds Press Conference - One of the candidates seeking the congressional seat for Mississippi's third district campaigned in Meridian Thursday. Gregg Harper is one of seven Republicans in the race. He said he believes the momentum is building for his campaign. "We're strong on the issues, on fighting against illegal immigration," said Harper. "They also know from a personal standpoint that we have a child with special needs, and we're committed to helping families who are raising such a child. And at this point, you're trying your best to get the vote out, to make sure people show up at the polls." In addition to Harper, John Rounsaville, Gregory Hatcher, James Broadwater, Bill Marcy, Charlie Ross and David Landrum are all running for that seat on the Republican ticket. Joel Gill and Randy Eads are the only two Democrats in the race.

Rounsaville, Ross, Marcy in Starkville

2008-03-06T15:30:00.001-06:00

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.”

Jackson Jambalaya's Kingfish for Ross

2008-03-06T15:24:00.001-06:00

Charlie Ross: A Pit Bull, not a Poodle - There are times when one must take a stand and the election to replace Congressman Chip Pickering is one of them. As we live in turbulent times with much uncertainty while the Republicans are rudderless and afflicted with a malaise, it is clear that the best choice to replace Congressman Chip Pickering next week is Charlie Ross.

Salter on Leaders

2008-03-06T15:10:00.002-06:00

ClarionLedger.com - Sid Salter Blog - 3rd District: Landrum, Ross likely to meet in the 2nd primary - The 3rd District is hard to handicap. Despite David Landrum's implosion on the issue of his voting record, he's run a well-financed, textbook campaign otherwise. He was virtually uncontested on TV for six weeks. His supporters are loyal. And the secret weapon?

Landrum has the friendship of Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, who would like to see Landrum or any other Republican put a knot on the head of his old 2007 GOP primary opponent Charlie Ross. Ross hit Bryant hard during that bruising primary and there are hard feelings.

Ross has also run a good campaign. Ross has superior qualifications and has softened his stodgy image somewhat. His experience and his legislative record are strong and he's 2nd in the campaign finance parade behind Landrum.

Gregg Harper is relying on a big Rankin County ground game, but has been weak on TV. John Rounsaville has taken the fight to Landrum, but is unlikely to be able to move the needle enough to knock Landrum out of a runoff spot.

So I think you'll see a Ross-Landrum second primary. Then, it gets down to how much fence mending Ross can do with Harper and Rounsaville supporters and just how badly Phil Bryant wants to help Landrum put that knot on Ross's head.

Landrum's campaign finances are limited only by his own considerable checkbook. Ross will have to depend on contributions.

On the Democratic side, I think Pickens alderman Joel Gill will get the nomination. He's campaigned hard, which is more than you can say for his primary opponent.

Salter Blog: Landrum and his lawyer

2008-03-06T11:42:00.002-06:00

ClarionLedger.com - Sid Salter Blog - The 110th Congress: The chair recognizes Congressman Landrum's attorney, Dale Danks, who will speak for him on this next important bill... - As the multiple stories that have become David Landrum's truly pitiful excuses for explaining the fact that making sure he voted or was even registered to vote over the last seven years continue to evolve, now it's come down to the suggestion that Landrum's somehow the target of a more than five-year conspiracy by election officials in two counties.

Caught in the web of their own failed efforts to misdirect the public and the press in this matter, now it's come to claiming bizarre conspiracy theories that ignore the basic facts of how one casts an affidavit ballot.

And that's after Landrum and his campaign manager have admitted that they offered fraudulent information to the media in an attempt to stifle criticism of his voting records from campaign opponents.

Somewhere, Sonny Montgomery must be coughing up a hairball.

Where to begin? I suppose the saddest part of the David Landrum appearance on the Paul Gallo Show today was the fact that his lawyer, Dale Danks, did most of the talking for him. Is that what we really want in a congressman? A guy who has to have a mouthpiece when the pressure's on?

If Landrum's elected, is Danks going to go hold his hand on Capitol Hill as well? Why not just cut out the middle man and send Danks?

But the bottom line here is that the 2008 Sue Sautermeister shenanigans in Madison County has absolutely nothing to do with the absence of Landrum's signature on a very present 2003 Hinds County District 78 Affidavit Ballot Register. The allegations that Rounsaville consultant and Hinds County GOP Chairman Pete Perry stole documents from that Hinds County box — if they were true — still doesn't trump the fact that there's no evidence that Landrum was ever handed an absentee ballot in the first place because he wasn't registered to vote in Hinds County and didn't sign the Hinds County Precinct 78 affidavit ballot register that is still in the box. No affidavit register book signature, no affidavit ballot.

How exactly could Perry steal something that the existing public records proves would not and should not be there in the first place? No affidavit register book signature, no affidavit ballot. This isn't brain surgery here, folks.

Perry is set to appear on Gallo's show tomorrow morning to answer the allegations made by the Landrum camp.

Landrum's political wounds here are singularly self-inflicted.