Friday, February 13, 2009
New Blog
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.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Harper on Stimulus Package
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.It encouraged David M. Caballero of Jackson to respond with a letter-to-the-editor.
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.
Third District U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper listed on his Web site a few reasons why he voted against the stimulus bill.I have a suspicion that David M. Caballero did not vote for Gregg Harper before this anyway. But that's just me.
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.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Conservative Divide: Childers-Thompson / Harper-Taylor
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."
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."
Monday, January 26, 2009
Meridian Q&A With Harper
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."
Monday, January 19, 2009
Harper on Budget Committee
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.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Harper on Judiciary, House Administration Coms
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.”
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Harper Announces Staff
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Madison County Voter Registration of 123%
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."
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Rankin Ledger profile Harper, Gill race
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.
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.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
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
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
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Harper Makes Endorsement Rounds
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
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
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Harper in Natchez with Realtors, NFIB
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.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Harper Announces Endorsements
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.
Friday, October 10, 2008
DA: Sautermeister cleared
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Animal Owners and Animal Killers Endorse Gill
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
Monday, September 22, 2008
Debate - Raleigh
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.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Gill Catfish Fundraiser
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.
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