Gill on Science

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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

Madison: Police investigate removal of political signs

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

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

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

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

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

Ross BBQ

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

Here is the closing spot for Gregg Harper.


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