Andy Taggart Blog - Tuesday's GOP Run-off: First District
Daily Journal - McCulloughs hit 1st District trail together
Daily Journal - Davis stresses link with average voter
Daily Journal - Outspoken Holland serious about helping
CQ Politics - Tuesday’s Mississippi House Race: Neck and Neck
Daily Journal - Confused about the process? Then you are paying attention
Daily Journal - Election Day coming Tuesday
Clarion Ledger - Endorsements
Commercial Dispatch - Southaven mayor and ex-Tupelo mayor battle in 1st District Republican runoff
Commercial Dispatch - Legislator and chancery clerk seeking nod from Democrats in congressional runoff
AP - Miss. holds runoffs Tuesday in congressional primaries
3/31/08
3/27/08
5 days to go
AP - 2 simultaneous elections puzzle some Miss. voters - People go to the polls April 1 for the Democratic and Republican primary runoffs to set the ballot for the November general election. The winner in November will serve a two-year term in Washington, starting in January.
On April 22, there is a nonpartisan special election in the 1st District to fill the final few months of a U.S. House term that Republican Roger Wicker started in early 2007. Wicker left the House seat in December after Gov. Haley Barbour appointed him to fill a Senate seat left vacant by the early retirement of Republican Trent Lott.
In Monroe County, Circuit Clerk Judy Butler said Wednesday that many voters don't understand there are overlapping elections for the congressional seat. Adding to the mix in Monroe County, Aberdeen has its regularly scheduled municipal elections going on now - and some voters will have to drive to one precinct for the municipal elections and another for the congressional election. "We have major confusion here," Butler said.
Tuesday's congressional runoffs are follow-ups to the March 11 primary elections. None of the Republican or Democratic candidates received a majority in the primaries, forcing runoffs for both parties. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote in the special election, another runoff election would be held May 13 to decide that contest. Party affiliations are not listed on the special election ballot.
WREG - Campaign Heats Up in Mississippi's First Congressional District - Candidates like Southaven's Greg Davis are looking for people like Shannon Fulcher, who aren't regular voters. "Actually I hadn't voted in the last few years and I got out this time and voted in the primaries." said Fulcher.
It's true. Close local and national races have more of us paying attention, and telling the candidates what's important. "Well, people are concerned about the economy. Obviously the economy and the price of fuel." said candidate Glenn McCullough of Tupelo. Glenn McCullough Criss-crossed the district, from Alabama to Tennessee to Rev up Republicans wherever he could find them. "We believe that conservative Republicans will vote on Tuesday and we're optimistic they'll respond to our campaign." He said.
But with two conservative republicans in this race, it'll come down to who can win the most minds and get them to the voting booth. "The higher the numbers come out it'll be at least more representative congressman that you have versus a small few determine who does to Washington." said Candidate and Southaven Mayor Greg Davis.
Why are these candidates working extra hard to get voters' attention? First, runoffs almost never draw big numbers. But this year they have an extra big problem. Many Republicans crossed over to vote in the Democratic Presidential primary, and now they cannot cross back to vote in the runoff. But those who didn't vote can choose either party. "We figure we lost about 3-4 thousand votes here in DeSoto County alone, but there are some 20-thousand people who didn't come to the polls." said Davis.
So now the race is on, to get those thousands to make a choice. "Possibilities. Possibilities for the future. That's what our campaign's all about." Said McCullough. And these men say North Mississippi's future isn't something to take lightly. "Don't let your neighbor vote in your congressman. You go, take, again, 15 minutes. It's all it would take and cast the ballot regardless of what the weather may be doing that day." Davis explained. But is the motivation working? "I'm Definitely in the spirit." said Fulcher.
ChrisBrownForHouse - Election April 1.....April Fools Day??? 1st Congressional District - This is a friendly reminder of the run-off election coming up on April 1st. We need to get all our people to the polls to vote. Our country and our state have many obstacles to address and it will take strong Conservative leadership to guide us safely in the future. Now is not the time to show weakness to our enemies. We must be strong and stand up against those that seek to destroy us. Let us all join together to elect true Conservatives to office and not end up making April 1 live up to its name. I would encourage you to go to the polls on Tuesday April 1st and vote for Glenn McCullough Jr. for our next congressman. It is with prayerful consideration and many visits with Glenn that I ask for you to support him. He is a good Christian man that will stand up for the un-born. He will defend our rights and freedoms that we hold dear. He will fight illegal immigration. He will work to lower taxes. He will be a strong voice for Conservative causes in Washington. Again, Please go to the polls and vote Glenn McCullough Jr. for our next 1st District U.S. Congressman, you will be proud you did. www.glenn08.com
On April 22, there is a nonpartisan special election in the 1st District to fill the final few months of a U.S. House term that Republican Roger Wicker started in early 2007. Wicker left the House seat in December after Gov. Haley Barbour appointed him to fill a Senate seat left vacant by the early retirement of Republican Trent Lott.
In Monroe County, Circuit Clerk Judy Butler said Wednesday that many voters don't understand there are overlapping elections for the congressional seat. Adding to the mix in Monroe County, Aberdeen has its regularly scheduled municipal elections going on now - and some voters will have to drive to one precinct for the municipal elections and another for the congressional election. "We have major confusion here," Butler said.
Tuesday's congressional runoffs are follow-ups to the March 11 primary elections. None of the Republican or Democratic candidates received a majority in the primaries, forcing runoffs for both parties. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote in the special election, another runoff election would be held May 13 to decide that contest. Party affiliations are not listed on the special election ballot.
WREG - Campaign Heats Up in Mississippi's First Congressional District - Candidates like Southaven's Greg Davis are looking for people like Shannon Fulcher, who aren't regular voters. "Actually I hadn't voted in the last few years and I got out this time and voted in the primaries." said Fulcher.
It's true. Close local and national races have more of us paying attention, and telling the candidates what's important. "Well, people are concerned about the economy. Obviously the economy and the price of fuel." said candidate Glenn McCullough of Tupelo. Glenn McCullough Criss-crossed the district, from Alabama to Tennessee to Rev up Republicans wherever he could find them. "We believe that conservative Republicans will vote on Tuesday and we're optimistic they'll respond to our campaign." He said.
But with two conservative republicans in this race, it'll come down to who can win the most minds and get them to the voting booth. "The higher the numbers come out it'll be at least more representative congressman that you have versus a small few determine who does to Washington." said Candidate and Southaven Mayor Greg Davis.
Why are these candidates working extra hard to get voters' attention? First, runoffs almost never draw big numbers. But this year they have an extra big problem. Many Republicans crossed over to vote in the Democratic Presidential primary, and now they cannot cross back to vote in the runoff. But those who didn't vote can choose either party. "We figure we lost about 3-4 thousand votes here in DeSoto County alone, but there are some 20-thousand people who didn't come to the polls." said Davis.
So now the race is on, to get those thousands to make a choice. "Possibilities. Possibilities for the future. That's what our campaign's all about." Said McCullough. And these men say North Mississippi's future isn't something to take lightly. "Don't let your neighbor vote in your congressman. You go, take, again, 15 minutes. It's all it would take and cast the ballot regardless of what the weather may be doing that day." Davis explained. But is the motivation working? "I'm Definitely in the spirit." said Fulcher.
ChrisBrownForHouse - Election April 1.....April Fools Day??? 1st Congressional District - This is a friendly reminder of the run-off election coming up on April 1st. We need to get all our people to the polls to vote. Our country and our state have many obstacles to address and it will take strong Conservative leadership to guide us safely in the future. Now is not the time to show weakness to our enemies. We must be strong and stand up against those that seek to destroy us. Let us all join together to elect true Conservatives to office and not end up making April 1 live up to its name. I would encourage you to go to the polls on Tuesday April 1st and vote for Glenn McCullough Jr. for our next congressman. It is with prayerful consideration and many visits with Glenn that I ask for you to support him. He is a good Christian man that will stand up for the un-born. He will defend our rights and freedoms that we hold dear. He will fight illegal immigration. He will work to lower taxes. He will be a strong voice for Conservative causes in Washington. Again, Please go to the polls and vote Glenn McCullough Jr. for our next 1st District U.S. Congressman, you will be proud you did. www.glenn08.com
DJournal Profile: Holland
Daily Journal - Outspoken Holland serious about helping - After nearly 25 years in the Legislature, Holland has high name recognition not only in the north Mississippi district he hopes to serve in Congress, but also throughout the entire state. He is a large man with a large heart and, some would say, an even larger mouth. He is rowdy and candid, funny and shocking, passionate and impulsive. He's a politician, a family man, a business owner and a raconteur. It is said that you either love Holland or you hate him.
On a sunny morning last week in Houston and Aberdeen, Holland covered several city blocks to greet residents and ask for their support in Tuesday's runoff election. He didn't huff or puff, never sat for a break, and never once complained about the effort. In fact, Holland seemed to relish it.
The people Holland met seemed to enjoy the campaigning as much as the candidate. They hugged him, laughed with him, slapped him on the back and called him a "true Democrat."
It wasn't always so. Holland flirted heavily with the Republican party during and after his college days at Mississippi State University. He worked on the staff of the state GOP and spent more than one year as political director on Republican U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran's staff.
But Holland switched sides in 1983 to win the 16th District seat in the state House of Representatives. He also spent three years as an aide to the late Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamie Whitten. The Democratic party was a perfect fit, he said, even though he continues his friendships with old Republican pals like Gov. Haley Barbour.
"We have a macabre-kind of relationship today," Holland said. Barbour spokesman Pete Smith said he would "politely decline" to comment on the friendship.
While in the House, Holland worked his way up through the ranks, befriending Democrats and Republicans alike to carve a niche for himself and, finally, become one of the Legislature's senior members. Today, Holland chairs the House's Public Health and Human Services Committee and sits on eight others, including the powerful Appropriations Committee.
The 52-year-old jokes that younger colleagues call him "Papa Bear," because he often takes them under his wing when they enter Jackson politics. One of them, Holland said, was Greg Davis. Davis, a Republican vying for the same congressional seat in this election, came to the House in 1991 as an Independent. Holland said he was one of the Legislature's rising stars. When contacted later about Holland's comments, Davis chuckled, adding, "He said that?"
While serving in the Legislature, Holland grew a successful business as an undertaker and funeral home operator. Today, he owns Holland-Harris Funeral Directors in Tupelo and Okolona and is vice president of Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. The profession introduced him - and endeared him - to a number of the region's people.
Holland offered this experience in response: "When my oldest daughter was 16, I caught her in the pool one night with a boy. I was so mad. I grabbed the young man and slammed him against the brick wall and straightened him out. He's a doctor now, and he still calls me every year and thanks me for making a man out of him."
Replace the hormonal teenager in that story with a broken health care system, stingy Republicans or a litany of other political peeves, and you have a good idea of how Holland the statesman operates.
Case in point: While outside the courthouse that day, a woman came running down the steps calling Holland's name. It was Donna Schomburg with C.O.P.E.S., a dropout prevention program sponsored by the Exchange Club of Houston. She complained that a lack of public transportation and Medicaid registration in Houlka prevented her clients from seeking health care for themselves and their children. Outraged, Holland immediately phoned various agencies to get Schomburg help.
"He got a representative of Medicaid to call me who is going to try to rectify the situation and get a representative out to the clinic there," Schomburg told the Daily Journal several days later. "And Mr. Holland is investigating the transportation situation right now. He was very helpful. He could have said, well, call your congressman."
And, incidentally, that's what Holland wants to become. His main motivation: helping more people like Schomburg. "I would like nothing more than to have an office and a staff to help people and to give people a ray of hope," Holland said. "I've been advocating every second of my life for the least, the last, and the most vulnerable - poor folks, just like me."
On a sunny morning last week in Houston and Aberdeen, Holland covered several city blocks to greet residents and ask for their support in Tuesday's runoff election. He didn't huff or puff, never sat for a break, and never once complained about the effort. In fact, Holland seemed to relish it.
The people Holland met seemed to enjoy the campaigning as much as the candidate. They hugged him, laughed with him, slapped him on the back and called him a "true Democrat."
It wasn't always so. Holland flirted heavily with the Republican party during and after his college days at Mississippi State University. He worked on the staff of the state GOP and spent more than one year as political director on Republican U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran's staff.
But Holland switched sides in 1983 to win the 16th District seat in the state House of Representatives. He also spent three years as an aide to the late Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamie Whitten. The Democratic party was a perfect fit, he said, even though he continues his friendships with old Republican pals like Gov. Haley Barbour.
"We have a macabre-kind of relationship today," Holland said. Barbour spokesman Pete Smith said he would "politely decline" to comment on the friendship.
While in the House, Holland worked his way up through the ranks, befriending Democrats and Republicans alike to carve a niche for himself and, finally, become one of the Legislature's senior members. Today, Holland chairs the House's Public Health and Human Services Committee and sits on eight others, including the powerful Appropriations Committee.
The 52-year-old jokes that younger colleagues call him "Papa Bear," because he often takes them under his wing when they enter Jackson politics. One of them, Holland said, was Greg Davis. Davis, a Republican vying for the same congressional seat in this election, came to the House in 1991 as an Independent. Holland said he was one of the Legislature's rising stars. When contacted later about Holland's comments, Davis chuckled, adding, "He said that?"
While serving in the Legislature, Holland grew a successful business as an undertaker and funeral home operator. Today, he owns Holland-Harris Funeral Directors in Tupelo and Okolona and is vice president of Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. The profession introduced him - and endeared him - to a number of the region's people.
Holland offered this experience in response: "When my oldest daughter was 16, I caught her in the pool one night with a boy. I was so mad. I grabbed the young man and slammed him against the brick wall and straightened him out. He's a doctor now, and he still calls me every year and thanks me for making a man out of him."
Replace the hormonal teenager in that story with a broken health care system, stingy Republicans or a litany of other political peeves, and you have a good idea of how Holland the statesman operates.
Case in point: While outside the courthouse that day, a woman came running down the steps calling Holland's name. It was Donna Schomburg with C.O.P.E.S., a dropout prevention program sponsored by the Exchange Club of Houston. She complained that a lack of public transportation and Medicaid registration in Houlka prevented her clients from seeking health care for themselves and their children. Outraged, Holland immediately phoned various agencies to get Schomburg help.
"He got a representative of Medicaid to call me who is going to try to rectify the situation and get a representative out to the clinic there," Schomburg told the Daily Journal several days later. "And Mr. Holland is investigating the transportation situation right now. He was very helpful. He could have said, well, call your congressman."
And, incidentally, that's what Holland wants to become. His main motivation: helping more people like Schomburg. "I would like nothing more than to have an office and a staff to help people and to give people a ray of hope," Holland said. "I've been advocating every second of my life for the least, the last, and the most vulnerable - poor folks, just like me."
3/26/08
Cochran Supports McCullough
DeSoto Times - Cochran throws support to McCullough - U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, the state's senior U.S. Senator, is supporting former Tupelo Mayor Glenn L. McCullough, Jr. in the First U.S. Congressional District race. Cochran, the state's senior U.S. Senator, is supporting McCullough through a $5,000 contribution announced Monday.
"I was thrilled to get Senator Cochran's phone call offering his support and I am very humbled by it, " McCullough said. "Senator Cochran is our state's most powerful voice in Washington and all Mississippians respect and admire him. His confidence means a lot to me."
The contribution was made from Cochran's Leadership PAC, the Senate Victory Fund. The contribution will be noted in the campaign's required Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing.
McCullough said he and Cochran have worked together on projects for 15 years, first as a member of Governor Kirk Fordice's administration and then as Mayor of Tupelo and Chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority. McCullough was appointed to the latter position by President Bush on Sen. Cochran's recommendation.
In 1978, Thad Cochran was elected to the United States Senate becoming the first Republican in over 100 years to win a statewide election in Mississippi. Since 1978, he has been re-elected every six years, most recently in 2002 with 85 percent of the vote. Cochran currently serves on the Agriculture, Appropriations and Rules committees.
In April of 2006, Time Magazine named Senator Cochran one of "America's 10 Best Senators," calling him the "Quiet Persuader" to describe the "courtly manner in which he gets important things accomplished for the State of Mississippi and the nation."
McCullough led all candidates in the March 11 primary and now seeks the 50 percent plus one majority needed to earn the Republican nomination on April 1. He faces Southaven Mayor Greg Davis in the April 1 run-off. McCullough also received the endorsement of the third-place finisher in the March 11 primary, Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford.
Davis has received the support of former U.S. Sen. Trent Lott. Lott's resignation in December set off a chain reaction in Mississippi politics. Former U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker was tapped to take Lott' s seat, making his old House seat vacant.
"I was thrilled to get Senator Cochran's phone call offering his support and I am very humbled by it, " McCullough said. "Senator Cochran is our state's most powerful voice in Washington and all Mississippians respect and admire him. His confidence means a lot to me."
The contribution was made from Cochran's Leadership PAC, the Senate Victory Fund. The contribution will be noted in the campaign's required Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing.
McCullough said he and Cochran have worked together on projects for 15 years, first as a member of Governor Kirk Fordice's administration and then as Mayor of Tupelo and Chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority. McCullough was appointed to the latter position by President Bush on Sen. Cochran's recommendation.
In 1978, Thad Cochran was elected to the United States Senate becoming the first Republican in over 100 years to win a statewide election in Mississippi. Since 1978, he has been re-elected every six years, most recently in 2002 with 85 percent of the vote. Cochran currently serves on the Agriculture, Appropriations and Rules committees.
In April of 2006, Time Magazine named Senator Cochran one of "America's 10 Best Senators," calling him the "Quiet Persuader" to describe the "courtly manner in which he gets important things accomplished for the State of Mississippi and the nation."
McCullough led all candidates in the March 11 primary and now seeks the 50 percent plus one majority needed to earn the Republican nomination on April 1. He faces Southaven Mayor Greg Davis in the April 1 run-off. McCullough also received the endorsement of the third-place finisher in the March 11 primary, Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford.
Davis has received the support of former U.S. Sen. Trent Lott. Lott's resignation in December set off a chain reaction in Mississippi politics. Former U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker was tapped to take Lott' s seat, making his old House seat vacant.
DJournal Profile: Childers
Daily Journal - Childers: 'I've lived the challenges' - (This is the first in a series profiling the candidates in Tuesday's Democratic and Republican runoffs for the 1st District U.S. House seat. TODAY: Travis Childers - THURSDAY: Steve Holland -
FRIDAY: Greg Davis - SATURDAY: Glenn McCullough Jr.)
Childers was 16 years old when on Christmas day 1974 his father committed suicide. It left the family in shock - mostly because no one had expected it from the handsome and talented auto mechanic who seemed to have everything in life. Looking back, Childers said it's clear his father suffered from depression. But no one talked about the mental illness back then, not the way they do today. So, the family struggled to understand why its patriarch wanted to die, leaving behind a wife, son and 9-year-old daughter.
"I've lived the challenges facing north Mississippi," Childers said while on the campaign trail Monday. "And I believe one person can make a difference. If you don't believe that, you shouldn't be in public service."
A Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives 1st District seat, Childers spent the afternoon greeting supporters in his hometown of Booneville, where he also serves as Prentiss County's chancery clerk.
He faces Democratic challenger Steve Holland, a man he called "larger than life," in the April 1 runoff after both men garnered a majority of the vote in the March 11 primaries. Childers was the front-runner in that election, having won about 10,000 more votes than Holland.
"Prentiss County gave me 87 percent of the vote in the primaries," Childers told one of his supporters at Anderson Elementary School, "and I don't want you all to think I take it for granted. I need you to come back out and vote again."
"I'm running for Congress," he told students lined up for recess.
"What's Congress?" one boy asked.
"It's in Washington," said Childers.
Since qualifying for the election in January, Childers has kept a grueling schedule of campaigning while still working as chancery clerk and helping his wife, Tami, run the family's two businesses - Landmark Nursing Center and Landmark Community. The first is an 80-bed skilled-care facility; the second is an independent-living home with an on-site staff. He also owns Travis Childers Realty, but leaves the day-to-day operations to an associate.
But he didn't realize his lifelong dream until 1991, when he narrowly won a countywide election to become chancery clerk.
"Many, many, many, many years ago, I knew I wanted to run for chancery clerk," Childers said. "I never wanted to be sheriff, never wanted to be mayor, never wanted to be circuit clerk." A strange obsession for a child, perhaps, but Childers explained that former Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Gene Gray was a family friend and a positive influence on him.
The old building that used to house Booneville High School faced the wrecking ball unless someone bought and renovated it. Childers, it turned out, was that someone.
He and his family converted the 70-year-old structure into an independent living community for seniors. Then they partnered with Joey and Tracie Langston to build a new 80-bed nursing home next door. The Childers bought out the Langstons' business interest in 2002, becoming the sole proprietors years before Joey Langston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bribe a judge in one of the most sensational scandals in state history.
FRIDAY: Greg Davis - SATURDAY: Glenn McCullough Jr.)
Childers was 16 years old when on Christmas day 1974 his father committed suicide. It left the family in shock - mostly because no one had expected it from the handsome and talented auto mechanic who seemed to have everything in life. Looking back, Childers said it's clear his father suffered from depression. But no one talked about the mental illness back then, not the way they do today. So, the family struggled to understand why its patriarch wanted to die, leaving behind a wife, son and 9-year-old daughter.
"I've lived the challenges facing north Mississippi," Childers said while on the campaign trail Monday. "And I believe one person can make a difference. If you don't believe that, you shouldn't be in public service."
A Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives 1st District seat, Childers spent the afternoon greeting supporters in his hometown of Booneville, where he also serves as Prentiss County's chancery clerk.
He faces Democratic challenger Steve Holland, a man he called "larger than life," in the April 1 runoff after both men garnered a majority of the vote in the March 11 primaries. Childers was the front-runner in that election, having won about 10,000 more votes than Holland.
"Prentiss County gave me 87 percent of the vote in the primaries," Childers told one of his supporters at Anderson Elementary School, "and I don't want you all to think I take it for granted. I need you to come back out and vote again."
"I'm running for Congress," he told students lined up for recess.
"What's Congress?" one boy asked.
"It's in Washington," said Childers.
Since qualifying for the election in January, Childers has kept a grueling schedule of campaigning while still working as chancery clerk and helping his wife, Tami, run the family's two businesses - Landmark Nursing Center and Landmark Community. The first is an 80-bed skilled-care facility; the second is an independent-living home with an on-site staff. He also owns Travis Childers Realty, but leaves the day-to-day operations to an associate.
But he didn't realize his lifelong dream until 1991, when he narrowly won a countywide election to become chancery clerk.
"Many, many, many, many years ago, I knew I wanted to run for chancery clerk," Childers said. "I never wanted to be sheriff, never wanted to be mayor, never wanted to be circuit clerk." A strange obsession for a child, perhaps, but Childers explained that former Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Gene Gray was a family friend and a positive influence on him.
The old building that used to house Booneville High School faced the wrecking ball unless someone bought and renovated it. Childers, it turned out, was that someone.
He and his family converted the 70-year-old structure into an independent living community for seniors. Then they partnered with Joey and Tracie Langston to build a new 80-bed nursing home next door. The Childers bought out the Langstons' business interest in 2002, becoming the sole proprietors years before Joey Langston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bribe a judge in one of the most sensational scandals in state history.
Six days to go
Clarion Ledger - Sid Salter - 2008 congressional races present important, difficult choices - Democrats will choose between Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers of Booneville and longtime state Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville. Childers, a political newcomer outside his home county, showed surprising strength in leading the Democratic ticket in the first primary. In the Democratic second primary, Childers will face Holland - the outspoken, sometimes controversial legislator who has openly battled Gov. Haley Barbour on issues like Medicaid and education funding. Legislative experience and name recognition should be on Holland's side, but unfortunately not all Holland's name recognition has been beneficial to him. On the Republican side, Southaven Mayor Greg Davis faces former TVA chairman and former Tupelo mayor Glenn McCullough in the second primary. McCullough led the ticket in the first primary. The Davis-McCullough showdown has taken on a strange twist in that Cochran has endorsed the candidacy of McCullough while former U.S. Sen. Trent Lott has thrown his support to Davis. Cochran and Lott didn't see eye-to-eye on a number of issues - some policy, most politics - while they served together in Congress. Seems McCullough fell from favor with Lott when he refused to endorse a Lott-backed TVA initiative that McCullough found to be dubious.
Davis has DeSoto County numbers on his side, but McCullough showed surprising strength in the district's rural counties.
ClarionLedger.com - Jere Nash - Update on Congressional Finances - Greg Davis -- $222,662.99; Glenn McCullough -- $177,034.01; As for the Democratic runoff in the First Congressional District, at least if you believe the FEC reports, both candidates are virtually out of money. Travis Childers, who led the field, reported $9,456.21 cash on hand at the March 12 close of the pre-runoff report and has disclosed $2,000 in contributions since then. As for Steve Holland, his pre-runoff FEC report shows a NEGATIVE cash balance of $93,061.70 as of March 12. Since these FEC reports are supposed to be filed using the cash basis of accounting, instead of the accrual basis, I am at a loss to explain a negative cash balance. In any event, since that report, he has reported receiving only $10,300 in contributions.
Davis has DeSoto County numbers on his side, but McCullough showed surprising strength in the district's rural counties.
ClarionLedger.com - Jere Nash - Update on Congressional Finances - Greg Davis -- $222,662.99; Glenn McCullough -- $177,034.01; As for the Democratic runoff in the First Congressional District, at least if you believe the FEC reports, both candidates are virtually out of money. Travis Childers, who led the field, reported $9,456.21 cash on hand at the March 12 close of the pre-runoff report and has disclosed $2,000 in contributions since then. As for Steve Holland, his pre-runoff FEC report shows a NEGATIVE cash balance of $93,061.70 as of March 12. Since these FEC reports are supposed to be filed using the cash basis of accounting, instead of the accrual basis, I am at a loss to explain a negative cash balance. In any event, since that report, he has reported receiving only $10,300 in contributions.
3/25/08
Cochran for McCullough
Daily Journal - Cochran supports McCullough, donates $5,000 - U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran's support of 1st District congressional candidate Glenn McCullough Jr. came Monday, along with a $5,000 contribution from Cochran's leadership PAC, the McCullough campaign announced. Republicans McCullough and Southaven Mayor Greg Davis square off in the runoff election April 1, along with Democrats Travis Childers of Booneville and Steve Holland of Plantersville. The primary nominees will face off with two independents in the Nov. 4 general election. "I was thrilled to get Senator Cochran's phone call offering his support and I am very humbled by it," McCullough said in a news release. "Senator Cochran is our state's most powerful voice in Washington and all Mississippians respect and admire him. His confidence means a lot to me." The Davis campaign said it respects the two men's longstanding personal relationship but cited McCullough's "lavish spending" as TVA chairman as "something Mississippi taxpayers would want from someone representing them in Congress." McCullough said Cochran has seen his work up close for 15 years, first as a member of Gov. Fordice's administration and since then as mayor of Tupelo and chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority. McCullough was appointed to TVA by President Clinton and to its leadership by President Bush on Cochran's recommendation. Last week, former Sen. Trent Lott endorsed Davis for the 1st District post with a donation through his PAC.
3/24/08
DeSoto Vote
Commercial Appeal - 'Every vote counts' to Davis - Southaven Mayor Greg Davis captured nearly 71 percent of DeSoto County's Republican vote in the March 11 primary for the state's 1st District House seat, but that didn't stop him from canvassing his home county hard on the first day of spring last week. "Every vote counts," Davis, who actually got 70.9 percent, said at the Forever Young Seniors monthly luncheon in Southaven, where he was the guest speaker. "We're hitting all areas of the district, no matter how many votes came out of the primary."
Davis, 42, knows it's important to not take any vote for granted in what is likely an uphill battle to defeat former Tupelo mayor and Tennessee Valley Authority chairman Glenn McCullough, 53, in an April 1 runoff for the Republican nomination. Despite Davis' commanding DeSoto County lead over McCullough and a third Republican candidate in the primary, Davis finished second districtwide on March 11. He finished with about 37 percent of the vote, compared to about 39 percent for McCullough. Further complicating things for Davis is the fact that the third candidate in the primary, Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford, has thrown his support to McCullough. Russell received about 24 percent of the vote.
McCullough has positioned himself as the "true conservative" candidate, a strategy that seemed to hit home and help him gain momentum in the sprawling district that covers much of northeast Mississippi. "Glenn's campaign has the momentum because of his values and his stance on taxes," Brad Davis, McCullough's campaign manager and no relation to Greg Davis, said in a statement.
Greg Davis said he isn't deterred, however, because he's confident in the voters and their ability to decide for themselves. That's why, over the past two weeks, Davis has put 4,000 miles on his Pontiac. In one day, he went to four events, crisscrossing DeSoto County. He also debated McCullough in Aberdeen on Thursday night, and he rallied 100 volunteers in Corinth in Alcorn County Friday before attending an Ole Miss baseball game in Oxford on Saturday night. "I've been to all the counties in the district," Davis said.
Another factor that could work to Davis' disadvantage was the large crossover vote in the primary, in which many DeSoto County voters who might have supported his candidacy chose to vote in the Democratic primary instead so that they could vote in the hotly contested presidential race between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The problem for Davis is that those who crossed over cannot now cross back to support him in the runoff. That's a fact that many potential voters told Davis they did not realize when they voted Democratic. "The crossover voting is a huge issue," Davis acknowledged, but he said he's not disillusioned by it. Instead, Davis told the more than 100 seniors gathered at the Tennis Center that his campaign is now after those who didn't vote at all in the primary. He estimated that some 20,000 voters in the county didn't turn out.
Davis also received a boost last week from Trent Lott, the former senator whose December retirement announcement set in motion the moves that opened up the House seat. Lott endorsed Davis by donating $8,000 to his campaign. "Over the course of the 18 years I have served in public office, I had the distinct privilege of working alongside Sen. Lott on many projects important to our District," Davis said, "and his support of my campaign is a sign of good things to come."
Davis, 42, knows it's important to not take any vote for granted in what is likely an uphill battle to defeat former Tupelo mayor and Tennessee Valley Authority chairman Glenn McCullough, 53, in an April 1 runoff for the Republican nomination. Despite Davis' commanding DeSoto County lead over McCullough and a third Republican candidate in the primary, Davis finished second districtwide on March 11. He finished with about 37 percent of the vote, compared to about 39 percent for McCullough. Further complicating things for Davis is the fact that the third candidate in the primary, Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford, has thrown his support to McCullough. Russell received about 24 percent of the vote.
McCullough has positioned himself as the "true conservative" candidate, a strategy that seemed to hit home and help him gain momentum in the sprawling district that covers much of northeast Mississippi. "Glenn's campaign has the momentum because of his values and his stance on taxes," Brad Davis, McCullough's campaign manager and no relation to Greg Davis, said in a statement.
Greg Davis said he isn't deterred, however, because he's confident in the voters and their ability to decide for themselves. That's why, over the past two weeks, Davis has put 4,000 miles on his Pontiac. In one day, he went to four events, crisscrossing DeSoto County. He also debated McCullough in Aberdeen on Thursday night, and he rallied 100 volunteers in Corinth in Alcorn County Friday before attending an Ole Miss baseball game in Oxford on Saturday night. "I've been to all the counties in the district," Davis said.
Another factor that could work to Davis' disadvantage was the large crossover vote in the primary, in which many DeSoto County voters who might have supported his candidacy chose to vote in the Democratic primary instead so that they could vote in the hotly contested presidential race between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The problem for Davis is that those who crossed over cannot now cross back to support him in the runoff. That's a fact that many potential voters told Davis they did not realize when they voted Democratic. "The crossover voting is a huge issue," Davis acknowledged, but he said he's not disillusioned by it. Instead, Davis told the more than 100 seniors gathered at the Tennis Center that his campaign is now after those who didn't vote at all in the primary. He estimated that some 20,000 voters in the county didn't turn out.
Davis also received a boost last week from Trent Lott, the former senator whose December retirement announcement set in motion the moves that opened up the House seat. Lott endorsed Davis by donating $8,000 to his campaign. "Over the course of the 18 years I have served in public office, I had the distinct privilege of working alongside Sen. Lott on many projects important to our District," Davis said, "and his support of my campaign is a sign of good things to come."
The Money Race
Clarion Ledger - Congressional race spending mounting - Republican and former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough Jr. holds the fundraising lead. McCullough raised nearly $470,000 from Jan. 1 to March 12, according to the latest filings with the Federal Election Commission. He spent about half of his campaign cash to pay OnMessage Inc., a GOP political consulting firm in Alexandria, Va., for advertising and other campaign services. The firm also has provided campaign commercials for Mississippi's Sen. Thad Cochran and former Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, both Republicans. McCullough's campaign also spent $3,500 to survey likely Republican runoff voters in his race against Southaven Mayor Greg Davis. The runoff was scheduled because none of the 1st District candidates won at least 51 percent of the vote in Mississippi's March 11 primary. McCullough campaign manager Brad Davis said the survey, conducted March 12-13, showed McCullough leading Greg Davis 45 percent to 38 percent.
But earlier polls conducted by the Davis campaign showed the Southaven mayor with a lead, said campaign spokesman Ted Prill. He would not discuss results of a more recent poll conducted by the campaign. "Let's just say it's going to be a very competitive race," Prill said. Greg Davis' campaign raised nearly $390,000 in the period ending March 12. Since then, his campaign has been given $8,000 from Lott's campaign. Under federal law, Lott is required to donate his leftover campaign funds to candidates or charities. Davis also has loaned his campaign $30,000. The campaign spent more than $135,000 to broadcast television ads.
Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers raised nearly $206,000, but about $100,000 of that was a personal loan to his campaign. Childers' Democratic rival, state Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville, raised $158,322 but spent more than that, leaving his campaign more than $90,000 in debt on March 12.
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.
But earlier polls conducted by the Davis campaign showed the Southaven mayor with a lead, said campaign spokesman Ted Prill. He would not discuss results of a more recent poll conducted by the campaign. "Let's just say it's going to be a very competitive race," Prill said. Greg Davis' campaign raised nearly $390,000 in the period ending March 12. Since then, his campaign has been given $8,000 from Lott's campaign. Under federal law, Lott is required to donate his leftover campaign funds to candidates or charities. Davis also has loaned his campaign $30,000. The campaign spent more than $135,000 to broadcast television ads.
Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers raised nearly $206,000, but about $100,000 of that was a personal loan to his campaign. Childers' Democratic rival, state Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville, raised $158,322 but spent more than that, leaving his campaign more than $90,000 in debt on March 12.
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.
3/21/08
McCullough, Davis Debate
Daily Journal - GOP candidates Davis, McCullough face off in debate - Republican congressional candidates Greg Davis and Glenn McCullough Jr. debated for more than an hour at the Elkin Theater here Thursday night in front of a crowd of roughly 50 people. The candidates, who are vying for the party's nomination in the April 1 runoff election, each answered nine questions posed by the event's three panelists: Craig Ford of WTVA, Steve Rodgers of WCBI, and Chris Brown of the Monroe County Republican Committee. Phil Hardwick with the Stennis Institute of Government moderated the debate, which it co-sponsored with the county's GOP committee.
Both candidates shared similar views on issues like abortion, the war in Iraq, gun ownership and Republican presidential candidate John McCain - they're anti-abortion, in support of the war, pro-gun ownership and favor McCain for president. But Davis, the mayor of Southaven, and McCullough, former mayor of Tupelo, differed on other matters. And the panelists grilled each of them on some hot-button topics in the campaign.
What follows are excerpts from the debate.
Q: Why did property taxes and the mayor's salary increase during Davis' time as mayor of Southaven?
A:Davis - The tax increase went up by a vote of 72 percent of the voters, who decided to eliminate the city's sanitation fee from the utility bill and shift it to property taxes. As for the salary, the board of aldermen determined the pay raise.
Q:What specifically would you cut from the federal budget to better control spending?
A:McCullough - Those decisions are never easy. But I would look at how a social program affects the family ... or a small or large business owner. I think you've got to take the budget line item by line item and make hard decisions. One of the shortcomings of our Republican party is that we've been fiscally, financially irresponsible these past few years.
A:Davis - How about the $2 million to study yoga that was put in the defense bill? Or the $2 million to study paint shields to prevent microbiological organisms from getting in paint? Or the $278,000 for a Lincoln Airport Commission that has no airport? Enough is enough. Quit wasting our tax dollars and let the federal government be what it's supposed to be.
Q:Former Sen. Trent Lott supported McCullough's appointment to the Tennessee Valley Authority board and later criticized his performance. Why?
A:- McCullough - I voted to bring online the first nuclear reactor in this country during my tenure. TVA invested $1.7 billion on my watch to make sure we had affordable, reliable electricity in the air and make sure the air was cleaner, removing emissions up to 70 percent while I was there. I helped bring careers to the people of the 1st Congressional district, helped implement the first-in-the-world megasite certification process ... . For almost six years at TVA, there was only one rate change while other utilities around us were raising rates every year. I'm proud of my performance.
A:Davis - I wouldn't begin to speculate why Sen. Lott does what he does, but I do appreciate his support. I don't think the fact that I ran as an independent the last time made any difference in Lott's support. (The McCullough camp in the past has accused Davis of not being a true Republican because he ran as an independent when he first ran for the legislature in the early '90s). Both of us (Davis and McCullough) have signed a form to run as independents in this special election, just as I did when I ran as an independent for the first time for the Legislature.
Q:How would you have voted for the bill against earmarks?
A:Davis - All earmarks should be stopped until we get control of spending. Before earmarks came back, we'd need to make sure there would be an economic return on investment.
A:McCullough - I'm firmly against wasteful government spending. I'm not in Congress or the Senate, and I'm not sure how Cochran or Wicker voted.
Both candidates shared similar views on issues like abortion, the war in Iraq, gun ownership and Republican presidential candidate John McCain - they're anti-abortion, in support of the war, pro-gun ownership and favor McCain for president. But Davis, the mayor of Southaven, and McCullough, former mayor of Tupelo, differed on other matters. And the panelists grilled each of them on some hot-button topics in the campaign.
What follows are excerpts from the debate.
Q: Why did property taxes and the mayor's salary increase during Davis' time as mayor of Southaven?
A:Davis - The tax increase went up by a vote of 72 percent of the voters, who decided to eliminate the city's sanitation fee from the utility bill and shift it to property taxes. As for the salary, the board of aldermen determined the pay raise.
Q:What specifically would you cut from the federal budget to better control spending?
A:McCullough - Those decisions are never easy. But I would look at how a social program affects the family ... or a small or large business owner. I think you've got to take the budget line item by line item and make hard decisions. One of the shortcomings of our Republican party is that we've been fiscally, financially irresponsible these past few years.
A:Davis - How about the $2 million to study yoga that was put in the defense bill? Or the $2 million to study paint shields to prevent microbiological organisms from getting in paint? Or the $278,000 for a Lincoln Airport Commission that has no airport? Enough is enough. Quit wasting our tax dollars and let the federal government be what it's supposed to be.
Q:Former Sen. Trent Lott supported McCullough's appointment to the Tennessee Valley Authority board and later criticized his performance. Why?
A:- McCullough - I voted to bring online the first nuclear reactor in this country during my tenure. TVA invested $1.7 billion on my watch to make sure we had affordable, reliable electricity in the air and make sure the air was cleaner, removing emissions up to 70 percent while I was there. I helped bring careers to the people of the 1st Congressional district, helped implement the first-in-the-world megasite certification process ... . For almost six years at TVA, there was only one rate change while other utilities around us were raising rates every year. I'm proud of my performance.
A:Davis - I wouldn't begin to speculate why Sen. Lott does what he does, but I do appreciate his support. I don't think the fact that I ran as an independent the last time made any difference in Lott's support. (The McCullough camp in the past has accused Davis of not being a true Republican because he ran as an independent when he first ran for the legislature in the early '90s). Both of us (Davis and McCullough) have signed a form to run as independents in this special election, just as I did when I ran as an independent for the first time for the Legislature.
Q:How would you have voted for the bill against earmarks?
A:Davis - All earmarks should be stopped until we get control of spending. Before earmarks came back, we'd need to make sure there would be an economic return on investment.
A:McCullough - I'm firmly against wasteful government spending. I'm not in Congress or the Senate, and I'm not sure how Cochran or Wicker voted.
3/20/08
48 Hour Reports
Lott for Davis
Roll Call - Lott Backs Davis in Mississippi GOP Runoff - Former Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) — who remains one of the most influential figures in Magnolia State politics — has lent his support to Southaven Mayor Greg Davis in the tightly contested 1st district Republican runoff. The Davis campaign on Wednesday released a letter of support from the former Senate Majority Leader reporting $8,000 in contributions from Lott.
Lott’s support of Davis in the runoff is particularly interesting because back in 2001 Lott was a key voice of support for McCullough when the former Tupelo mayor earned a presidential appointment to serve as chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority. But according to published reports, Lott soured on McCullough by the time his term as TVA chairman expired in 2005 and the Senator publicly opposed his renomination that year. Lott said at the time that he believed the TVA’s board had not done enough to address the agency’s then-$25 billion debt during McCullough’s time on the board and told the Chattanooga Times Free Press, “I’d rather that he not stay on the board.” In his letter of support to Davis, Lott said: “I am extremely proud to participate in your campaign through these contributions as I know you will work to preserve and defend the principles we both share.” Davis said he was “honored and humbled” by Lott’s support.
Lott’s support of Davis in the runoff is particularly interesting because back in 2001 Lott was a key voice of support for McCullough when the former Tupelo mayor earned a presidential appointment to serve as chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority. But according to published reports, Lott soured on McCullough by the time his term as TVA chairman expired in 2005 and the Senator publicly opposed his renomination that year. Lott said at the time that he believed the TVA’s board had not done enough to address the agency’s then-$25 billion debt during McCullough’s time on the board and told the Chattanooga Times Free Press, “I’d rather that he not stay on the board.” In his letter of support to Davis, Lott said: “I am extremely proud to participate in your campaign through these contributions as I know you will work to preserve and defend the principles we both share.” Davis said he was “honored and humbled” by Lott’s support.
3/19/08
Hot Air = 6.3
The Hill - ‘3 a.m.’ ad unconvincing - Mississippi primary runoff candidate Glenn McCullough’s (R) ad animating the U.S. Capitol building as a balloon full of “hot air” got a 6.3 from GOPers. McCullough, a former Tupelo mayor, faces Southaven Mayor Greg Davis on April 1. The winner will run for Sen. Roger Wicker’s (R-Miss.) former House seat.
Turnbow on Polls: McCullough, Childers
Turnbow.net - New Poll in local Congressional race - A friend last night passed along some new poll numbers in the special election for Roger Wickers congressional seat in northeast mississippi in a few weeks. The results are kind of surprising.....Glen McCullough now has a 45-38 lead over Greg Davis. On the democrat side, Prentiss County Court Clerk Travis Childers has pulled ahead of State Rep Steve Holland by a 51-41 margin. The dems are getting very excited about Childers chances according to what I heard. But I dont know about the GOP poll though. Desoto County is Greg Davis's base and it has exploded in growth in recent years. According to the Commercial Appeal yesterday, its population hit the 150,000 mark this month. That and McCulloughs problems with the TVA should bode well for Davis come election day in two weeks.
3/18/08
Roll Call: McCullough Leading
Roll Call - New Poll Shows McCullough Leading in Mississippi Runoff - With two weeks to go in Mississippi’s 1st district Republican primary runoff, a new poll released this week by Glenn McCullough’s campaign showed the former Tupelo mayor with a 7-point lead over Southaven Mayor Greg Davis.
The On Message Inc. survey of 400 likely voters showed McCullough with 45 percent and Davis with 38 percent. It had a 4.9-point margin of error. The poll was conducted on the two days following the primary election on March 11 in which McCullough earned 39 percent and Davis took 37 percent.
The On Message polling memo appeared to confirm the come-from-behind nature of McCullough’s primary campaign.
In late February, a Public Opinion Strategies poll conducted for Davis’ campaign gave Davis an 18-point lead. The On Message memo noted that McCullough’s own campaign had the former Tupelo mayor down by 23 points in a Feb. 12 poll.
But McCullough came on strong by rallying his Tupelo base — which also was now-Sen. Roger Wicker’s (R) base during his seven House terms — and in the rural areas of Northern Mississippi. In the primary he beat Davis in 18 of 24 counties in the district. He also outraised Davis over the last 10 days of the campaign, according to Federal Election Commission reports.
The On Message polling memo said that “the only path to victory that remains for Greg Davis is to pursue a high-risk strategy of negative messaging. ... With his vote share decreasing, we fully expect Davis to remain negative throughout the runoff election.”
The On Message Inc. survey of 400 likely voters showed McCullough with 45 percent and Davis with 38 percent. It had a 4.9-point margin of error. The poll was conducted on the two days following the primary election on March 11 in which McCullough earned 39 percent and Davis took 37 percent.
The On Message polling memo appeared to confirm the come-from-behind nature of McCullough’s primary campaign.
In late February, a Public Opinion Strategies poll conducted for Davis’ campaign gave Davis an 18-point lead. The On Message memo noted that McCullough’s own campaign had the former Tupelo mayor down by 23 points in a Feb. 12 poll.
But McCullough came on strong by rallying his Tupelo base — which also was now-Sen. Roger Wicker’s (R) base during his seven House terms — and in the rural areas of Northern Mississippi. In the primary he beat Davis in 18 of 24 counties in the district. He also outraised Davis over the last 10 days of the campaign, according to Federal Election Commission reports.
The On Message polling memo said that “the only path to victory that remains for Greg Davis is to pursue a high-risk strategy of negative messaging. ... With his vote share decreasing, we fully expect Davis to remain negative throughout the runoff election.”
Salter: McCullough leads Davis / Debate Confirmed
ClarionLedger.com - Sid Salter Blog - New poll data: McCullough leads Davis 45 percent to 38 percent - Former Tupelo mayor and former TVA chairman Glenn McCullough has opened a seven percent lead on Southaven Mayor Greg Davis in the 1st Congressional District Republican second primary, according to a poll released by OnMessage, Inc. The poll shows both candidates with around 13 to 14 percent "unfavorable" ratings with McCullough's "favorable" ratings about 3 percent higher that Davis. The pollsters tell McCullough that the Davis campaign "has stagnated and is losing ground. Historically, candidates that lose momentum this rapidly always garner an even smaller percentage of the vote in the runoff election. This is exactly the scenario Davis now faces." In addition, the pollsters say that McCullough has climbed 23 percent in the last month on the "ballot test" to 48 percent. The OnMessage survey was conducted March 12 and 13, 2008. All interviews were conducted via telephone. The survey consists of 400 voters screened for likely participation in the April 1 Republican runoff election. Interviews were stratified by county to reflect turnout in the March 11 Republican primary. The margin of error for this study is +/- 4.9%.
ClarionLedger.com - Sid Salter Blog - 1st Congressional District GOP debates confirmed March 20 and March 27 - Lydia Quarles at the MSU Stennis Institute of Government has confirmed that 1st Congressional District GOP candidates Greg Davis and Glenn McCullough will debate March 20 in Aberdeen and March 27 in Senatobia. Thursday 20th: Debate in Aberdeen at Elkins Theatre on Commerce Street. GOP only. Doors open 6:30 for "meet and greet" with debate beginning at 7-ish. Debate will be between 60 and 75 minutes. 3 minute opening statements, questions directed to 1 candidate who has 2 minutes to answer, other candidate then given 2 minutes for rebuttal/response. Ending with 3 minute closings. There will be space available in the lobby of the Elkins for candidates to distribute materials. Thursday 27th: Debate in Senatobia on campus of Northwest MS CC. Same time frame and protocol.
ClarionLedger.com - Sid Salter Blog - 1st Congressional District GOP debates confirmed March 20 and March 27 - Lydia Quarles at the MSU Stennis Institute of Government has confirmed that 1st Congressional District GOP candidates Greg Davis and Glenn McCullough will debate March 20 in Aberdeen and March 27 in Senatobia. Thursday 20th: Debate in Aberdeen at Elkins Theatre on Commerce Street. GOP only. Doors open 6:30 for "meet and greet" with debate beginning at 7-ish. Debate will be between 60 and 75 minutes. 3 minute opening statements, questions directed to 1 candidate who has 2 minutes to answer, other candidate then given 2 minutes for rebuttal/response. Ending with 3 minute closings. There will be space available in the lobby of the Elkins for candidates to distribute materials. Thursday 27th: Debate in Senatobia on campus of Northwest MS CC. Same time frame and protocol.
Debate?
The Monroe County Republican Party is working on a debate for all four candidates: one segment with Republicans and one segment with Democrats. The proposed date is Thursday March 20, 2008 at the Elkin Theatre in downtown Aberdeen. The Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State has agreed to help with this event as the moderator. HatTip: ChrisBrownForHouse
3/17/08
Coleman, Neely endorse Holland
Calhoun City Alderman Marshall Coleman and Tupelo Attorney Brian Neely endorsed Steve Holland. HatTip: CottonMouth - Holland Picks Up Endorsements From #3 and #4 Finishers
Roll Call: Runoffs Loom
Roll Call - Magnolia State Runoffs Loom - Don’t expect as much excitement out of Mississippi’s 1st and 3rd district general elections as there has been in the primaries. Unofficial results gave former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough (R) 39 percent and Southhaven Mayor Greg Davis (R) 37 percent.
While a Public Opinion Strategies poll conducted in late February for Davis’ campaign gave Davis an 18-point lead, McCullough appeared to come on strong in the last two weeks. Not only was he able to rally his Tupelo base — which was also Wicker’s base during his seven House terms — but Tuesday’s vote showed that he beat Davis in 18 of 24 counties in the district. He also outraised Davis over the last 10 days of the campaign, according to Federal Election Commission reports.
But the real surprise of the 1st district race was the third candidate, ophthalmologist Randy Russell (R), who picked up 24 percent of the vote despite being picked by many state insiders to finish in the single digits. Russell’s unexpectedly strong showing was funded in large part by the $145,000 of his own money. By Wednesday afternoon, media reports indicated that Russell was preparing to throw his support behind McCullough in the runoff. The move would be another blow to Davis’ campaign, though far from a knockout punch.
According to county results posted in the Clarion Ledger newspaper, Davis had a strong showing in DeSoto County, the district’s largest GOP stronghold. More than half of Davis’ 16,161 votes came from DeSoto, while McCullough was only able to pick up 1,856 in the county and Russell took 1,656 there. And by all accounts, the DeSoto turnout was lower than expected. If Davis can energize his DeSoto base, and pick up the voters in the county that went to Russell, he will put himself in a very good position in the runoff despite Russell’s support of McCullough.
The Democratic primary in the 1st district also ended in a runoff between Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers, who took 42 percent, and state Rep. Steve Holland, who took 31 percent. Both would face an uphill challenge in a general election in a district that President Bush carried with 62 percent in his 2004 reelection campaign. But state Democrats were encouraged by the fact that more than twice as many people voted in the Democratic primary than in the Republican contest. Indeed, Childers’ nearly 40,000 votes was close to the total number of votes that were cast in the Republican primary.
While a Public Opinion Strategies poll conducted in late February for Davis’ campaign gave Davis an 18-point lead, McCullough appeared to come on strong in the last two weeks. Not only was he able to rally his Tupelo base — which was also Wicker’s base during his seven House terms — but Tuesday’s vote showed that he beat Davis in 18 of 24 counties in the district. He also outraised Davis over the last 10 days of the campaign, according to Federal Election Commission reports.
But the real surprise of the 1st district race was the third candidate, ophthalmologist Randy Russell (R), who picked up 24 percent of the vote despite being picked by many state insiders to finish in the single digits. Russell’s unexpectedly strong showing was funded in large part by the $145,000 of his own money. By Wednesday afternoon, media reports indicated that Russell was preparing to throw his support behind McCullough in the runoff. The move would be another blow to Davis’ campaign, though far from a knockout punch.
According to county results posted in the Clarion Ledger newspaper, Davis had a strong showing in DeSoto County, the district’s largest GOP stronghold. More than half of Davis’ 16,161 votes came from DeSoto, while McCullough was only able to pick up 1,856 in the county and Russell took 1,656 there. And by all accounts, the DeSoto turnout was lower than expected. If Davis can energize his DeSoto base, and pick up the voters in the county that went to Russell, he will put himself in a very good position in the runoff despite Russell’s support of McCullough.
The Democratic primary in the 1st district also ended in a runoff between Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers, who took 42 percent, and state Rep. Steve Holland, who took 31 percent. Both would face an uphill challenge in a general election in a district that President Bush carried with 62 percent in his 2004 reelection campaign. But state Democrats were encouraged by the fact that more than twice as many people voted in the Democratic primary than in the Republican contest. Indeed, Childers’ nearly 40,000 votes was close to the total number of votes that were cast in the Republican primary.
3/13/08
DeSoto Crossover
Commercial Appeal - Crossover voting in Tuesday's primary elections figured prominently in the races for the 1st District congressional seat -- in both parties. Undoubtedly, that was a factor in DeSoto County. "It cost us several hundred votes, yes," said Chris Wilson, chairman of the DeSoto County Republican Party Executive Committee, who was working hard for the Davis campaign.
Samuel Williams, DeSoto County chairman for the Democratic Party, said the crossovers "gave us a bunch of votes. It could have been several thousand. "I believe we got more Democratic Party votes (Tuesday) than for any race here I can remember, certainly more than for any primary."
With the runoff just three weeks away, Davis, 42, and McCullough, 53, were both back on the campaign trail Wednesday. "We're out knocking on doors and making phone calls and thanking all the folks for their support," Davis said.
Meanwhile, Russell, 54, was preparing to endorse McCullough in the runoff race. Today, at a press conference at the Hampton Inn in Oxford, Russell said he plans to announce his support for McCullough. "Glenn shares our same political philosophy," Russell said. Davis responded, "Dr. Russell has the right to support whoever he wants. I just think the voters of the 1st District are smart enough to make up their own minds."
Crossover voting may have occurred in other counties of the district, but no county would have had the number of crossover votes that DeSoto had. Impact? Davis was getting a steady 70 percent of the vote in the Republican Party primary in DeSoto County. If 3,000 Republicans crossed over, the likely loss to Davis in the county would have been about 2,100 votes -- enough to put him ahead of McCullough, but not enough to avoid a runoff.
Samuel Williams, DeSoto County chairman for the Democratic Party, said the crossovers "gave us a bunch of votes. It could have been several thousand. "I believe we got more Democratic Party votes (Tuesday) than for any race here I can remember, certainly more than for any primary."
With the runoff just three weeks away, Davis, 42, and McCullough, 53, were both back on the campaign trail Wednesday. "We're out knocking on doors and making phone calls and thanking all the folks for their support," Davis said.
Meanwhile, Russell, 54, was preparing to endorse McCullough in the runoff race. Today, at a press conference at the Hampton Inn in Oxford, Russell said he plans to announce his support for McCullough. "Glenn shares our same political philosophy," Russell said. Davis responded, "Dr. Russell has the right to support whoever he wants. I just think the voters of the 1st District are smart enough to make up their own minds."
Crossover voting may have occurred in other counties of the district, but no county would have had the number of crossover votes that DeSoto had. Impact? Davis was getting a steady 70 percent of the vote in the Republican Party primary in DeSoto County. If 3,000 Republicans crossed over, the likely loss to Davis in the county would have been about 2,100 votes -- enough to put him ahead of McCullough, but not enough to avoid a runoff.
Russell Endorses McCullough
Daily Journal - Russell to endorse McCullough - Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford, who pulled in 24 percent of Tuesday's Republican vote for 1st District Congress, said he will endorse the race frontrunner, former Tupelo Mayor Glenn L. McCullough Jr. "He is the closest to us in political philosophy," Russell said in a telephone conversation.
Rothenberg Political Report - Mississippi 1: Russell Expected to Endorse McCullough - McCullough edged out Davis 39%-37% in Tuesday's initial balloting, with Dr. Randy Russell finishing third with 24%. Now, Russell is likely to endorse McCullough.
Daily Journal - McCullough moves into runoff with Russell's support - Former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough's quest to win the 1st District congressional seat got a big boost Wednesday when the third-place finisher, Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford, gave him his endorsement in the April 1 Republican runoff. Russell ran a strong race with 24 percent in Tuesday's primary across the district, which includes 23 north Mississippi counties and one precinct in another. McCullough led the ticket with 39 percent and is in the runoff with Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, who received 37 percent. "We believe he is the closest to us in political philosophy," Russell said in a Wednesday afternoon phone interview with the Daily Journal. He said news conferences are set today districtwide to publicize his endorsement.
The Oxford ophthalmologist has been a conservative activist throughout his long career in the Jackson area and now Lafayette County. He acknowledged he was outflanked and outspent Tuesday, but said he was proud his campaign had gone from 4 percent support two weeks ago to 24 percent by election day. "I thought it was a very good showing," he said.
A McCullough aide said he had no immediate comment on the Russell endorsement, but will do so today at a 3 p.m. news conference in Oxford.
Davis aide Ted Prill, when asked about the Russell endorsement, said, "Every vote in the race is important. We respect Dr. Russell's decision." The Davis camp countered with news of an endorsement from Mississippi Right to Life that they said will be formally announced today.
Rothenberg Political Report - Mississippi 1: Russell Expected to Endorse McCullough - McCullough edged out Davis 39%-37% in Tuesday's initial balloting, with Dr. Randy Russell finishing third with 24%. Now, Russell is likely to endorse McCullough.
Daily Journal - McCullough moves into runoff with Russell's support - Former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough's quest to win the 1st District congressional seat got a big boost Wednesday when the third-place finisher, Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford, gave him his endorsement in the April 1 Republican runoff. Russell ran a strong race with 24 percent in Tuesday's primary across the district, which includes 23 north Mississippi counties and one precinct in another. McCullough led the ticket with 39 percent and is in the runoff with Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, who received 37 percent. "We believe he is the closest to us in political philosophy," Russell said in a Wednesday afternoon phone interview with the Daily Journal. He said news conferences are set today districtwide to publicize his endorsement.
The Oxford ophthalmologist has been a conservative activist throughout his long career in the Jackson area and now Lafayette County. He acknowledged he was outflanked and outspent Tuesday, but said he was proud his campaign had gone from 4 percent support two weeks ago to 24 percent by election day. "I thought it was a very good showing," he said.
A McCullough aide said he had no immediate comment on the Russell endorsement, but will do so today at a 3 p.m. news conference in Oxford.
Davis aide Ted Prill, when asked about the Russell endorsement, said, "Every vote in the race is important. We respect Dr. Russell's decision." The Davis camp countered with news of an endorsement from Mississippi Right to Life that they said will be formally announced today.
3/12/08
Run Off: McCullough/Davis & Childers/Holland
ClarionLedger.com - 461 of 462 Precincts Reporting - 99%
DEMS
Childers, Travis Dem 39,819 41%
Holland, Steve Dem 29,541 31%
Coleman, Marshall Dem 12,551 13%
Neely, Brian Dem 10,164 11%
Hurt, Ken Dem 3,912 4%
GOP
McCullough, Glenn GOP 17,033 39%
Davis, Greg GOP 16,152 37%
Russel, Randy GOP 10,674 24%
DEMS
Childers, Travis Dem 39,819 41%
Holland, Steve Dem 29,541 31%
Coleman, Marshall Dem 12,551 13%
Neely, Brian Dem 10,164 11%
Hurt, Ken Dem 3,912 4%
GOP
McCullough, Glenn GOP 17,033 39%
Davis, Greg GOP 16,152 37%
Russel, Randy GOP 10,674 24%
3/11/08
Daily Journal Endorsement: McCullough
Daily Journal - Editorial: Glenn McCullough - The race for the Republican nomination for the 1st Congressional District seat in the U.S. House offers voters a clear choice based on knowledge, experience, vision, and perspective needed to serve north Mississippi: Glenn L. McCullough, Jr. McCullough - first a successful private-sector businessman, then Appalachian Regional Commission director in Mississippi, then mayor of Tupelo, and then chairman of TVA - is a champion of economic growth, jobs creation, efficient government and ethical public service. He understands the critical nature of regional cooperation and initiative, giving him a unique perspective among the 1st District candidates. McCullough's two Republican opponents are good men, but their experience and qualifications don't match McCullough's reach. In 1999, McCullough resigned as mayor of Tupelo, where his vision and leadership jump-started the Fairpark District downtown redevelopment, to became the first Mississippian in almost 40 years confirmed to the Tennessee Valley Authority board of directors. In 2001, he became the first Mississippian named chairman of TVA, the nation's largest public utility. McCullough's term at TVA was marked by a pivotal economic development decision: creation of TVA-certified megasites for watershed industrial development. It is bearing fruit today across the 1st District, most strikingly in the Wellspring project at Blue Springs, where TVA certification was a key in luring Toyota. His north Mississippi focus began at ARC, where he cut his teeth on public service regionalism and its focus on public-private partnerships. McCullough has said he will continue living in Tupelo if elected, as he did during his TVA tenure, in order to remain involved with family, church and community - the values that are his anchor. Criticism of his perfectly legal use of a TVA airplane for trips from Knoxville to Tupelo rings hollow, especially since his 1st District opponents have all promised to stay close to their constituents by living at home and commuting to Washington on the taxpayers' dollar. McCullough is prepared to serve in the U.S. House by a career of local and regional leadership through consensus-building across political and geographic barriers. He is the best choice for the Republican nomination.
Daily Journal Endorsement: Childers
Daily Journal - Editorial: Travis Childers - There are five active candidates in the 1st District Democratic primary. On balance, we believe Travis Childers is the best choice in the Democratic field to serve in Congress. Childers, elected last fall to his fifth term as chancery clerk, is cast solidly in the mold of centrist Democrats who have held political office at local, district and state levels across our region for decades. Childers has worked full-time since his early teenage years, and he remains in private life a successful businessman. He also has learned that regionalism and networking produce good results for almost everyone in terms of both public service and civic activism. He was personally an early supporter of the PUL Alliance of Pontotoc, Union and Lee counties, even though his county was not directly involved. He has been a long-term activist in the Prentiss County Development Association and its economic-growth undertakings. He understands the value of pragmatic bipartisanship on a personal and political level, and fits the mold of consensus-builder at a time when hyper-partisan agitation grips Congress. Childers, we believe, is best suited by a combination of temperament, approach and experience for the 1st District Democratic nomination.
3/10/08
Controversy at Hernando City Hall
DeSoto Times - City hall flap flares up in congressional race - Hernando city officials are miffed that 1st Congressional candidate Glenn McCullough Jr.'s campaign staff held a press conference at city hall criticizing fellow Republican candidate Greg Davis without their permission. According to McCullough campaign manager Brad Davis, the press conference was held to call attention to Davis' alleged failure to release his campaign finance records in a timely manner.
Mayor Chip Johnson, among the county's official "Blue Ribbon" delegation in Washington, D.C. said he was unaware that McCullough's campaign planned to hold a press conference inside Hernando City Hall. Johnson's administrative assistant Julie Harris said McCullough campaign officials did not get permission from her, Mayor Johnson or any other city officials to use the facility for the press conference.
McCullough himself did not attend. The press conference was held inside the front foyer at city hall. Three newspaper reporters were in attendance. Brad Davis said on Wednesday morning, he stepped inside city hall to let a city employee know the press conference was about to get underway.
"While it (city hall) is a public facility, I think it was in poor taste and rude for him to hold a press conference at our city hall without informing me about it," Johnson, who has publicly endorsed Davis, said from Washington. "I was on a plane to D.C. when I got a voice message that he was holding the press conference at city hall."
Harris said a voice message was left at Hernando city hall by the McCullough camp late Tuesday but no permission was given. "It's a misunderstanding," Brad Davis said later Wednesday. "We called as a matter of course for permission to use it, and we believe we had permission to use that place."
Meanwhile, Greg Davis dismissed McCullough's assertions that he had not been forthcoming about release of his campaign records. "Call my staff and they will give them to you," Davis said in remarks following the McCullough campaign's press conference. "If Mr. McCullough wants them, he can ask me."
Davis said Southaven city officials have already provided McCullough's campaign officials with records from his 2005 campaign and planned to release his other records to the McCullough camp.
Brad Davis, no relation to Greg Davis, said the Southaven Mayor was "stonewalling" about releasing all his campaign finance records. "We call on Mayor Davis to release the bank record for his mayoral campaign account," Brad Davis said on McCullough's behalf. "The Mayor has blocked access to this public information, thus stonewalling any of those who wish to see transparency in government. We call on him to release this document to the public immediately."
Brad Davis said he was not implying that the Southaven Mayor had broken any federal campaign laws. "We have every reason to believe Mayor Davis is complying with federal campaign finance laws, specifically those that prohibit use of state campaign funds on a federal race. But by blocking access to his 2007 mayoral campaign finance reports, Mayor Davis is doing nothing to increase the transparency for the voters of the First District."
Mayor Chip Johnson, among the county's official "Blue Ribbon" delegation in Washington, D.C. said he was unaware that McCullough's campaign planned to hold a press conference inside Hernando City Hall. Johnson's administrative assistant Julie Harris said McCullough campaign officials did not get permission from her, Mayor Johnson or any other city officials to use the facility for the press conference.
McCullough himself did not attend. The press conference was held inside the front foyer at city hall. Three newspaper reporters were in attendance. Brad Davis said on Wednesday morning, he stepped inside city hall to let a city employee know the press conference was about to get underway.
"While it (city hall) is a public facility, I think it was in poor taste and rude for him to hold a press conference at our city hall without informing me about it," Johnson, who has publicly endorsed Davis, said from Washington. "I was on a plane to D.C. when I got a voice message that he was holding the press conference at city hall."
Harris said a voice message was left at Hernando city hall by the McCullough camp late Tuesday but no permission was given. "It's a misunderstanding," Brad Davis said later Wednesday. "We called as a matter of course for permission to use it, and we believe we had permission to use that place."
Meanwhile, Greg Davis dismissed McCullough's assertions that he had not been forthcoming about release of his campaign records. "Call my staff and they will give them to you," Davis said in remarks following the McCullough campaign's press conference. "If Mr. McCullough wants them, he can ask me."
Davis said Southaven city officials have already provided McCullough's campaign officials with records from his 2005 campaign and planned to release his other records to the McCullough camp.
Brad Davis, no relation to Greg Davis, said the Southaven Mayor was "stonewalling" about releasing all his campaign finance records. "We call on Mayor Davis to release the bank record for his mayoral campaign account," Brad Davis said on McCullough's behalf. "The Mayor has blocked access to this public information, thus stonewalling any of those who wish to see transparency in government. We call on him to release this document to the public immediately."
Brad Davis said he was not implying that the Southaven Mayor had broken any federal campaign laws. "We have every reason to believe Mayor Davis is complying with federal campaign finance laws, specifically those that prohibit use of state campaign funds on a federal race. But by blocking access to his 2007 mayoral campaign finance reports, Mayor Davis is doing nothing to increase the transparency for the voters of the First District."
DeSoto officials ask McCullough to stop attacks on Davis
Memphis Commercial Appeal - Officials back up Davis - McCullough asked to halt 'false attacks' against GOP rival - More than 20 elected DeSoto County officials have gotten involved in the war of words between congressional candidates Greg Davis and Glenn McCullough, penning a letter Tuesday asking McCullough to stop what they termed "false attacks." A total of 21 officials signed the letter, which comes a day after the two Republicans sparred over McCullough TV ads that aired over the weekend. The ads questioned the loyalty of Davis, mayor of Southaven, to the Republican party and accused him of not being a true conservative.
McCullough's campaign manager Brad Davis said Tuesday the ads are fair and accurate comparisons of the two candidates. "We have the facts on our side," Brad Davis said. "We can back up our assertions."
McCullough's campaign manager Brad Davis said Tuesday the ads are fair and accurate comparisons of the two candidates. "We have the facts on our side," Brad Davis said. "We can back up our assertions."
DeSoto Times endorses Davis
DeSoto Times - Our choice is... - Rarely does a community have a chance to call a native son Congressman. Southaven Mayor Greg Davis presents us that opportunity. Admittedly direct, honestly opinionated, Davis's candor can be viewed as a breath of fresh air in a political environ too often blanketed with political correctness.
Yet Davis can also boast a track record of compromise and we believe his years as mayor and state legislator will benefit us better than any alternative. While at Southaven's helm, Davis directed a burgeoning city that nearly doubled in population. Through careful planning, growing pains have been minimal as he and seven aldermen looked to the future. Despite bordering a Memphis war zone, Southaven's leadership has been vigorous in protecting the citizenry and while taxes have been raised, Davis has been fiscally responsible, utilizing additional revenue for infrastructure and emergency services. A self-described conservative Republican, Davis defines himself as a politician who will take caution with spending other people's money; who is a pro-life advocate; who supports the sanctity of marriage and one who stands on his ethics. Greg Davis is an experienced leader, an experienced builder of coalitions and one of DeSoto County's own. In this March 11 race for Congress, Davis represents the only candidate with a resume of being elected more than once. This Tuesday we urge you to elect him again.
Yet Davis can also boast a track record of compromise and we believe his years as mayor and state legislator will benefit us better than any alternative. While at Southaven's helm, Davis directed a burgeoning city that nearly doubled in population. Through careful planning, growing pains have been minimal as he and seven aldermen looked to the future. Despite bordering a Memphis war zone, Southaven's leadership has been vigorous in protecting the citizenry and while taxes have been raised, Davis has been fiscally responsible, utilizing additional revenue for infrastructure and emergency services. A self-described conservative Republican, Davis defines himself as a politician who will take caution with spending other people's money; who is a pro-life advocate; who supports the sanctity of marriage and one who stands on his ethics. Greg Davis is an experienced leader, an experienced builder of coalitions and one of DeSoto County's own. In this March 11 race for Congress, Davis represents the only candidate with a resume of being elected more than once. This Tuesday we urge you to elect him again.
Holland with Clinton and Obama
Steve Holland Email
Tomorrow (Tuesday) is key to our quest to go to Washington and represent the people of the First Congressional District. A lot has happened in the last couple of days.
The Jackson Clarion-Ledger newspaper endorsed our campaign on Sunday. While newspaper editorials don't vote, we appreciate Mississippi's largest publication for supporting our efforts. Quoting from the Clarion-Ledger, it said, "Steve Holland is the best choice based upon his cumulative years of service in the Mississippi House of Representatives and as an aid to legendary Congressman Jamie L. Whitten."
On Thursday night I was with Hillary Clinton in Canton along with several hundred other democrats. On Friday night I was recognized with former President Bill Clinton at the Furniture Market in Tupelo. I was overwhelmed at the enthusiastic reception so many gave our campaign.
On Monday (today) I was with Barack Obama at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus along with supporters of our effort. At the same time we were represented at Ole Miss when Chelsea Clinton made an appearance there.
Again, I urge you to contact friends and family to go vote. To help us they must vote in the democratic primary. Thanks for everything. We're having a "watch & wait" get together at our campaign headquarters at 5361 Cliff Gookin Drive in Tupelo beginning about 8:00 p.m. Come and join us. We are next door to Four Seasons Restaurant, a Chinese food establishment, and we plan to have them prepare some knick knacks.
Please forward this message to your email lists.
Thank you.
Steve
Tomorrow (Tuesday) is key to our quest to go to Washington and represent the people of the First Congressional District. A lot has happened in the last couple of days.
The Jackson Clarion-Ledger newspaper endorsed our campaign on Sunday. While newspaper editorials don't vote, we appreciate Mississippi's largest publication for supporting our efforts. Quoting from the Clarion-Ledger, it said, "Steve Holland is the best choice based upon his cumulative years of service in the Mississippi House of Representatives and as an aid to legendary Congressman Jamie L. Whitten."
On Thursday night I was with Hillary Clinton in Canton along with several hundred other democrats. On Friday night I was recognized with former President Bill Clinton at the Furniture Market in Tupelo. I was overwhelmed at the enthusiastic reception so many gave our campaign.
On Monday (today) I was with Barack Obama at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus along with supporters of our effort. At the same time we were represented at Ole Miss when Chelsea Clinton made an appearance there.
Again, I urge you to contact friends and family to go vote. To help us they must vote in the democratic primary. Thanks for everything. We're having a "watch & wait" get together at our campaign headquarters at 5361 Cliff Gookin Drive in Tupelo beginning about 8:00 p.m. Come and join us. We are next door to Four Seasons Restaurant, a Chinese food establishment, and we plan to have them prepare some knick knacks.
Please forward this message to your email lists.
Thank you.
Steve
CQ on Mississippi 1
CQpolitics - Mississippi Primary to Fix GOP Favorites for Open House Seats - The one thing that appears nearly certain is that the strong grip that the Republican Party has long held on this district will continue through both of this year’s contests. CQ Politics rates the 1st District as Safe Republican.
Glenn L. McCullough Jr. is perhaps the best-connected Republican candidate in the race. He is a former mayor of Tupelo, which with about 34,000 residents is the largest city in this heavily rural district, and also a former Tennessee Valley Authority chairman. But McCullough faces strong primary competition from both Greg Davis — the mayor of Southaven, home to about 29,000 residents who make it the 1st District’s second-largest city — and Randy Russell, an ophthalmologist.
The Clarion-Ledger newspaper in Jackson gave its Republican primary endorsement to McCullough over the past weekend, stating that he “possesses the best overall qualifications among the Republican contenders to represent the diverse interests of the district on Capitol Hill.”
But the campaign has been rugged, with McCullough and Davis launching attacks at each other in their television ads. McCullough ran an ad stating that Davis “doesn’t know where he stands,” charging that Davis “refused to run as a Republican” in the past, increased spending, and altogether, is not a true conservative. “Now Davis says he’ll be conservative? Come on,” the voice-over charged in the commercial.
Davis responded with his own ad labeling McCullough’s “attacks” as “shameful.” But Davis hit out at McCullough in the same ad, aligning him with Democrats by noting that President Bill Clinton first appointed McCullough to serve on the TVA board. Davis accused McCullough of living lavishly while in his TVA post while laying off workers and increasing electric costs. “Glen McCullough should be ashamed,” the ad concluded.
Davis, McCullough and Russell, who entered the race with less name ID than the others, are all competing for conservative support, championing their commitment to local job growth, low taxes, strengthening national security and opposing abortion, among other positions.
The district includes many agricultural areas. Tupelo is a major producer of upholstered furniture. Manufacturing supports many workers and families in the Columbus area. DeSoto County, which contains Davis’ city of Southaven, is the district’s most populous and the state’s fastest growing county, owing in part to residents who commute over the Tennessee border to metropolitan Memphis.
Pursuing the Democratic nomination are state Rep. Steve Holland, who has the primary endorsement of the Clarion-Ledger; Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis W. Childers; lawyer Brian Neely; and Calhoun Alderman Marshall W. Coleman are seeking the party’s nomination in Tuesday’s primary. Political consultant James K. “Ken” Hurt, who took 34 percent against Wicker as the party’s unsuccessful 2006 nominee, filed to run and his name appears on the ballot, but he quit the race last month and endorsed Coleman.
Glenn L. McCullough Jr. is perhaps the best-connected Republican candidate in the race. He is a former mayor of Tupelo, which with about 34,000 residents is the largest city in this heavily rural district, and also a former Tennessee Valley Authority chairman. But McCullough faces strong primary competition from both Greg Davis — the mayor of Southaven, home to about 29,000 residents who make it the 1st District’s second-largest city — and Randy Russell, an ophthalmologist.
The Clarion-Ledger newspaper in Jackson gave its Republican primary endorsement to McCullough over the past weekend, stating that he “possesses the best overall qualifications among the Republican contenders to represent the diverse interests of the district on Capitol Hill.”
But the campaign has been rugged, with McCullough and Davis launching attacks at each other in their television ads. McCullough ran an ad stating that Davis “doesn’t know where he stands,” charging that Davis “refused to run as a Republican” in the past, increased spending, and altogether, is not a true conservative. “Now Davis says he’ll be conservative? Come on,” the voice-over charged in the commercial.
Davis responded with his own ad labeling McCullough’s “attacks” as “shameful.” But Davis hit out at McCullough in the same ad, aligning him with Democrats by noting that President Bill Clinton first appointed McCullough to serve on the TVA board. Davis accused McCullough of living lavishly while in his TVA post while laying off workers and increasing electric costs. “Glen McCullough should be ashamed,” the ad concluded.
Davis, McCullough and Russell, who entered the race with less name ID than the others, are all competing for conservative support, championing their commitment to local job growth, low taxes, strengthening national security and opposing abortion, among other positions.
The district includes many agricultural areas. Tupelo is a major producer of upholstered furniture. Manufacturing supports many workers and families in the Columbus area. DeSoto County, which contains Davis’ city of Southaven, is the district’s most populous and the state’s fastest growing county, owing in part to residents who commute over the Tennessee border to metropolitan Memphis.
Pursuing the Democratic nomination are state Rep. Steve Holland, who has the primary endorsement of the Clarion-Ledger; Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis W. Childers; lawyer Brian Neely; and Calhoun Alderman Marshall W. Coleman are seeking the party’s nomination in Tuesday’s primary. Political consultant James K. “Ken” Hurt, who took 34 percent against Wicker as the party’s unsuccessful 2006 nominee, filed to run and his name appears on the ballot, but he quit the race last month and endorsed Coleman.
Latest in Fundraising
Daily Journal - New Contributions Reported to FEC - Candidates for the 1st District House seat have reported additional contributions since a filing deadline about a week ago.
Three Republicans and five Democrats will face off in party primaries Tuesday.
All three Republicans reported new contributions:
- Southaven Mayor Greg Davis - $29,200
Top new contributors: $5,000 - BancorpSouth PAC; $2,300 - Meredith McCullar, McCullar Realty, Memphis; Lisa Beene, Great River Beverage, Southaven; William Posey, Greysone, Covington, Tenn.; Gayle Posey, housewife, Covington, Tenn.; James M. Harris III of Oxford; Robert Newman, Newmann-Tillman developer, Memphis; David Rozier of Oxford.
- Glenn L. McCullough Jr. of Tupelo - $46,600
Top new contributors: $2,300 - Jean Elmore, Tupelo homemaker; Jim Ferer, furniture supply, Tupelo; Elizabeth Moler, Exelon exec, McLean, Va.; Christina Hall, Tupelo legal secretary; Robert D. Kirk, retired, Miramar Beach Fla.; Jeff Leathers, Tupelo attorney; Lori Greer, Tupelo homemaker.
- Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford - $71,000
- Top new contributors - $55,000 from himself; $2,000 - American Academy of Family Physicians; Neurosurgery PAC.
Democrat Travis Childers of Booneville, longtime Prentiss County chancery clerk, is the only candidate in his party to file his contributions online with the FEC, so other candidates' new donors were not immediately apparent.
- Travis Childers - $2,000
- Top new contributors - $1,000 - BancorpSouth PAC; Arthur Jumper of Booneville.
Columbus Dispatch - Two locals give to congressional race - According to campaign finance reports published on the Federal Election Commission Web site, Columbus residents financially contributed to the campaigns of two candidates seeking the 1st District Congressional seat vacated by Roger Wicker - Republicans Glenn McCullough Jr. and Dr. Randy Russell.
The reports on www.fec.gov covered contributions made from Jan. 1 to Feb. 20.
Of the candidates whose financial information was posted, McCullough, the former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors, posted the most receipts - $334,061 - including, $288,561 in individual contributions and $45,500 in Political Action Committee receipts.
Individual Columbus contributors included: Henry C. Pilkinton, president of Better Brands, who gave $250; SeverCorr's Chief Executive Officer John Correnti, who listed himself as an executive with Corrections Corp. of America, gave $2,300; Stark Aerospace President David Eudy, who gave $1,000; a Columbus homemaker, who listed herself as “Mrs. Gregory Rader,” who gave $2,300; Dr. D.K. Curtis, a dentist with Pediatric Dentistry Group, who contributed $250; Stark Aerospace Vice President Richard Dobbins, who gave $1,000; Don R. Shelton, owner of Riverside Logistics, who contributed $500, Jeff Turnage, an attorney with Mitchell, McNutt and Sams, who gave $300; Henry Weiss, retired from Columbus Scrap Metal, who contributed $1,000; Attorney Gordon Flowers, who gave $500; Agnes Zaiontz, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority office manager, who contributed $250; Edward Lehner, a SeverCorr executive, who gave $1,000; Jim Ford, a retired Columbus resident, who contributed $1,000; Bobby Harper, a banker with Cadence Bank, who contributed $500; James C. Galloway Jr of Galloway, Chandler, McKinney Insurance, who gave $500; Thomas L. Phillips, chief executive officer of Southern Group, contributed $1,000; Henry Weiss, retired from Columbus Scrap Metal, gave $400; Gregory C. Rader, general manager of Columbus Scrap Metal, contributed $2,300; Gary A. Chism, a state representative and insurance agent with Columbus Insurance Services, gave $250; Nick Ardillo, president of NPA LLC, contributed $1,000 and Amy Ellis, president of Rafco Construction, gave $1,000.
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, a Republican, reported $296,455 in receipts, including $275,455 in individual contributions, $6,000 in PAC contributions and $15,000 in other contributions. Davis did not report any Columbus contributors.
Democrat Travis Childers, Prentiss County Chancery Court clerk, reported $181,628 in receipts, including $77,980 in individual contributions, $500 in PAC contributions and $3,148 in candidate contributions. Childers did not report any Columbus contributors.
Russell, a Republican Oxford ophthalmologist, reported $161,394 in receipts, including, $67,394 in individual contributions, $14,000 in PAC contributions and $80,000 in other contributions. Stan Murray, a banker with Citizens National Bank in Columbus contributed $250; Dan Bennet, a self-employed Columbus physician, gave $500 and Gregory W. Childrey, a self-employed Columbus physician, contributed $250 to Russell's campaign.
Also, Democrat Brian Neely reported $750 in individual contributions.
Three Republicans and five Democrats will face off in party primaries Tuesday.
All three Republicans reported new contributions:
- Southaven Mayor Greg Davis - $29,200
Top new contributors: $5,000 - BancorpSouth PAC; $2,300 - Meredith McCullar, McCullar Realty, Memphis; Lisa Beene, Great River Beverage, Southaven; William Posey, Greysone, Covington, Tenn.; Gayle Posey, housewife, Covington, Tenn.; James M. Harris III of Oxford; Robert Newman, Newmann-Tillman developer, Memphis; David Rozier of Oxford.
- Glenn L. McCullough Jr. of Tupelo - $46,600
Top new contributors: $2,300 - Jean Elmore, Tupelo homemaker; Jim Ferer, furniture supply, Tupelo; Elizabeth Moler, Exelon exec, McLean, Va.; Christina Hall, Tupelo legal secretary; Robert D. Kirk, retired, Miramar Beach Fla.; Jeff Leathers, Tupelo attorney; Lori Greer, Tupelo homemaker.
- Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford - $71,000
- Top new contributors - $55,000 from himself; $2,000 - American Academy of Family Physicians; Neurosurgery PAC.
Democrat Travis Childers of Booneville, longtime Prentiss County chancery clerk, is the only candidate in his party to file his contributions online with the FEC, so other candidates' new donors were not immediately apparent.
- Travis Childers - $2,000
- Top new contributors - $1,000 - BancorpSouth PAC; Arthur Jumper of Booneville.
Columbus Dispatch - Two locals give to congressional race - According to campaign finance reports published on the Federal Election Commission Web site, Columbus residents financially contributed to the campaigns of two candidates seeking the 1st District Congressional seat vacated by Roger Wicker - Republicans Glenn McCullough Jr. and Dr. Randy Russell.
The reports on www.fec.gov covered contributions made from Jan. 1 to Feb. 20.
Of the candidates whose financial information was posted, McCullough, the former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors, posted the most receipts - $334,061 - including, $288,561 in individual contributions and $45,500 in Political Action Committee receipts.
Individual Columbus contributors included: Henry C. Pilkinton, president of Better Brands, who gave $250; SeverCorr's Chief Executive Officer John Correnti, who listed himself as an executive with Corrections Corp. of America, gave $2,300; Stark Aerospace President David Eudy, who gave $1,000; a Columbus homemaker, who listed herself as “Mrs. Gregory Rader,” who gave $2,300; Dr. D.K. Curtis, a dentist with Pediatric Dentistry Group, who contributed $250; Stark Aerospace Vice President Richard Dobbins, who gave $1,000; Don R. Shelton, owner of Riverside Logistics, who contributed $500, Jeff Turnage, an attorney with Mitchell, McNutt and Sams, who gave $300; Henry Weiss, retired from Columbus Scrap Metal, who contributed $1,000; Attorney Gordon Flowers, who gave $500; Agnes Zaiontz, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority office manager, who contributed $250; Edward Lehner, a SeverCorr executive, who gave $1,000; Jim Ford, a retired Columbus resident, who contributed $1,000; Bobby Harper, a banker with Cadence Bank, who contributed $500; James C. Galloway Jr of Galloway, Chandler, McKinney Insurance, who gave $500; Thomas L. Phillips, chief executive officer of Southern Group, contributed $1,000; Henry Weiss, retired from Columbus Scrap Metal, gave $400; Gregory C. Rader, general manager of Columbus Scrap Metal, contributed $2,300; Gary A. Chism, a state representative and insurance agent with Columbus Insurance Services, gave $250; Nick Ardillo, president of NPA LLC, contributed $1,000 and Amy Ellis, president of Rafco Construction, gave $1,000.
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, a Republican, reported $296,455 in receipts, including $275,455 in individual contributions, $6,000 in PAC contributions and $15,000 in other contributions. Davis did not report any Columbus contributors.
Democrat Travis Childers, Prentiss County Chancery Court clerk, reported $181,628 in receipts, including $77,980 in individual contributions, $500 in PAC contributions and $3,148 in candidate contributions. Childers did not report any Columbus contributors.
Russell, a Republican Oxford ophthalmologist, reported $161,394 in receipts, including, $67,394 in individual contributions, $14,000 in PAC contributions and $80,000 in other contributions. Stan Murray, a banker with Citizens National Bank in Columbus contributed $250; Dan Bennet, a self-employed Columbus physician, gave $500 and Gregory W. Childrey, a self-employed Columbus physician, contributed $250 to Russell's campaign.
Also, Democrat Brian Neely reported $750 in individual contributions.
Absentee voting
Daily Journal - Good voter turnout expected for primaries - Despite predictions of a large turnout, some circuit clerks throughout the 23-county district report lackluster absentee ballot voting. Officials in Calhoun, Monroe and Pontotoc counties say they've received a fraction of the typical number of absentee ballots.
"It's been real slow," said Tracy Robinson, Pontotoc County's circuit clerk. "They've picked up (since Friday) ... but we don't even have 75 yet. Typically we have 300 or 400."
In other counties, including those where congressional front-runners live, it's a different story: Davis' Desoto County had a high absentee-ballot rate; Russell's Lafayette County also reported good numbers, and in Lee County - home of Republican McCullough and Democrats Holland and Neely - things picked up Thursday and remained strong, clerks said.
The deadline for casting absentee ballots was noon Saturday.
"We're working hard," McCullough said. "We've got hundreds of volunteers in the district. But as far as voter turnout, I really don't know. We're cautiously optimistic. We'll see on Tuesday."
"It's been real slow," said Tracy Robinson, Pontotoc County's circuit clerk. "They've picked up (since Friday) ... but we don't even have 75 yet. Typically we have 300 or 400."
In other counties, including those where congressional front-runners live, it's a different story: Davis' Desoto County had a high absentee-ballot rate; Russell's Lafayette County also reported good numbers, and in Lee County - home of Republican McCullough and Democrats Holland and Neely - things picked up Thursday and remained strong, clerks said.
The deadline for casting absentee ballots was noon Saturday.
"We're working hard," McCullough said. "We've got hundreds of volunteers in the district. But as far as voter turnout, I really don't know. We're cautiously optimistic. We'll see on Tuesday."
Geography - McCullough vs Davis
Commercial Dispatch - DeSoto and Lee counties could be battling for political influence - Southaven Mayor Greg Davis and former Tupelo mayor Glenn McCullough are likely the two strongest contenders for the Republican nomination, although Randy Russell, an Oxford doctor, is also in the field. Over the past couple of weeks, Davis and McCullough have taken turns jabbing at each other over the television airwaves. McCullough has aired ads questioning why Davis ran as an independent in some of his earlier political races, perhaps a suggestion that Davis' conservative credentials might be lacking. Davis has returned the fire, noting in one ad that McCullough was appointed to a seat on the Tennessee Valley Authority by none other than Bill Clinton, the former president Republicans love to hate. McCullough has questioned several property tax increases during Davis' tenure as Southaven mayor. Davis has questioned McCullough's travel expenses as TVA's chairman.
But DeSoto Countians have a clear population advantage over Lee County, where Tupelo is located. According to U.S. Census data, DeSoto had about 144,706 residents in 2006. Lee County had about 79,714. Based on previous election results, Davis expects about 50 percent of the district's total vote to come from DeSoto.
McCullough isn't simply conceding DeSoto to Davis, though. He says he has an active network of volunteers in DeSoto -- and that he's trying to campaign throughout the entire district, not just in select areas. "I don't see this as a geographic war," McCullough said. "Voters are going to decide who's the best candidate for the entire district."
Barring a late surge, McCullough should have more money to take his message to the voters. According to filings with the Federal Election Commission, McCullough had raised $334,061 through Feb. 20, compared to $267,255 for Davis.
Whether that'll result in either DeSoto or Lee staking a claim to be the political center of the district remains to be seen.
Daily Journal - LLOYD GRAY: DeSoto dominates the numbers for GOP 1st District - If you want numbers that define the contest in Tuesday's Republican primary for the 1st Congressional District seat, try these: 18,329 to 2,727. That's the comparison of the turnout in the 2007 GOP primary for state and county offices in DeSoto and Lee counties.
DeSoto County's population has grown an astonishing 72 percent in the last 10 years as metropolitan Memphis spills southward into Mississippi suburban sprawl. If you're a politician, the first thing you notice is that it's a Republican population explosion. DeSoto has been remade into one of the two or three most reliably Republican counties in the state. That's the reason Greg Davis, the mayor of Southaven and formerly a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, eventually had to declare himself a Republican to survive politically. It is also the basis of an advantage Davis enjoys in Tuesday's GOP congressional primary against Glenn McCullough of Tupelo and Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford. Again, look at the numbers: 18,329 Republican primary votes in DeSoto County to 2,727 in Lee County.
Yes, the hottest local races - notably sheriff - in Lee County last year were on the Democratic side. And this is a federal election with a presidential primary to boot, making the dynamics decidedly different. But McCullough still faces the hard fact that the built-in Republican vote in DeSoto County - and the sheer size (144,000) of the population of that county - give the DeSoto County candidate a head start in this race.
Not that all the votes there will go to Davis, of course. McCullough has spent a lot of time recently in DeSoto County trying to make a dent. Russell sometimes works out of medical clinic in DeSoto County, so he may get some votes there, but this is really a Davis-McCullough race.
The political geography and the numbers speak for themselves. If you carve out the 23 counties of the 1st District and add up the numbers from last year, more than half the Republican vote - 52 percent - was cast in DeSoto County. Only 8 percent of the total came from Lee County.
What does this mean? Assuming there is a moderate to heavy turnout in DeSoto County and Davis wins decisively, McCullough must make up that ground with a dominant showing not just in Lee County, his home, but across the rest of the district. That will require a heavy turnout in those counties on the eastern side where he is better known.
Lowndes, for example. That county - where Columbus is located - cast 6,108 Republican primary votes last year, more than double Lee's, even with Lowndes' smaller population. It's relatively new to the 1st District, having come on board in 2002 after redistricting, and Columbus hasn't always looked upon Tupelo and Tupelo people with great affection. Yet McCullough's work at TVA helped trigger the recent spurt of economic development success in Columbus and the Golden Triangle area, and there may be some residual political benefit for him.
Closer to home, will McCullough's regional outlook and emphasis while mayor of Tupelo be remembered enough by the surrounding counties to affect Tuesday's vote? Will Lee Countians feel motivated to turn out for their native son when there's not much excitement otherwise in the Republican primary and there's a hot presidential race on the Democratic side, not to mention two Lee Countians among the four active Democratic congressional candidates?
Glenn McCullough's hopes of becoming the Republican nominee - which, given the district's leanings would put him in the driver's seat for the general election - rest on blunting a massive Davis landslide in DeSoto County and winning big majorities everywhere else.
But DeSoto Countians have a clear population advantage over Lee County, where Tupelo is located. According to U.S. Census data, DeSoto had about 144,706 residents in 2006. Lee County had about 79,714. Based on previous election results, Davis expects about 50 percent of the district's total vote to come from DeSoto.
McCullough isn't simply conceding DeSoto to Davis, though. He says he has an active network of volunteers in DeSoto -- and that he's trying to campaign throughout the entire district, not just in select areas. "I don't see this as a geographic war," McCullough said. "Voters are going to decide who's the best candidate for the entire district."
Barring a late surge, McCullough should have more money to take his message to the voters. According to filings with the Federal Election Commission, McCullough had raised $334,061 through Feb. 20, compared to $267,255 for Davis.
Whether that'll result in either DeSoto or Lee staking a claim to be the political center of the district remains to be seen.
Daily Journal - LLOYD GRAY: DeSoto dominates the numbers for GOP 1st District - If you want numbers that define the contest in Tuesday's Republican primary for the 1st Congressional District seat, try these: 18,329 to 2,727. That's the comparison of the turnout in the 2007 GOP primary for state and county offices in DeSoto and Lee counties.
DeSoto County's population has grown an astonishing 72 percent in the last 10 years as metropolitan Memphis spills southward into Mississippi suburban sprawl. If you're a politician, the first thing you notice is that it's a Republican population explosion. DeSoto has been remade into one of the two or three most reliably Republican counties in the state. That's the reason Greg Davis, the mayor of Southaven and formerly a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, eventually had to declare himself a Republican to survive politically. It is also the basis of an advantage Davis enjoys in Tuesday's GOP congressional primary against Glenn McCullough of Tupelo and Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford. Again, look at the numbers: 18,329 Republican primary votes in DeSoto County to 2,727 in Lee County.
Yes, the hottest local races - notably sheriff - in Lee County last year were on the Democratic side. And this is a federal election with a presidential primary to boot, making the dynamics decidedly different. But McCullough still faces the hard fact that the built-in Republican vote in DeSoto County - and the sheer size (144,000) of the population of that county - give the DeSoto County candidate a head start in this race.
Not that all the votes there will go to Davis, of course. McCullough has spent a lot of time recently in DeSoto County trying to make a dent. Russell sometimes works out of medical clinic in DeSoto County, so he may get some votes there, but this is really a Davis-McCullough race.
The political geography and the numbers speak for themselves. If you carve out the 23 counties of the 1st District and add up the numbers from last year, more than half the Republican vote - 52 percent - was cast in DeSoto County. Only 8 percent of the total came from Lee County.
What does this mean? Assuming there is a moderate to heavy turnout in DeSoto County and Davis wins decisively, McCullough must make up that ground with a dominant showing not just in Lee County, his home, but across the rest of the district. That will require a heavy turnout in those counties on the eastern side where he is better known.
Lowndes, for example. That county - where Columbus is located - cast 6,108 Republican primary votes last year, more than double Lee's, even with Lowndes' smaller population. It's relatively new to the 1st District, having come on board in 2002 after redistricting, and Columbus hasn't always looked upon Tupelo and Tupelo people with great affection. Yet McCullough's work at TVA helped trigger the recent spurt of economic development success in Columbus and the Golden Triangle area, and there may be some residual political benefit for him.
Closer to home, will McCullough's regional outlook and emphasis while mayor of Tupelo be remembered enough by the surrounding counties to affect Tuesday's vote? Will Lee Countians feel motivated to turn out for their native son when there's not much excitement otherwise in the Republican primary and there's a hot presidential race on the Democratic side, not to mention two Lee Countians among the four active Democratic congressional candidates?
Glenn McCullough's hopes of becoming the Republican nominee - which, given the district's leanings would put him in the driver's seat for the general election - rest on blunting a massive Davis landslide in DeSoto County and winning big majorities everywhere else.
Ledger Endorses McCullough, Holland
Clarion Ledger - Endorsement: McCullough - In the 1st Congressional District - an open seat that was vacated when former U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker, R-Tupelo, was appointed to serve the unexpired term of former U.S. Sen. Trent Lott when he retired - state Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville is the best choice in the Democratic primary based on his cumulative legislative experience and based on his service as a longtime aide to the late legendary former U.S. Rep. Jamie Whitten. In the 1st District's Republican primary, former Tupelo mayor and former Tennessee Valley Authority chairman Glenn McCullough Jr. of Tupelo possesses the best overall qualifications among the Republican contenders to represent the diverse interests of the district on Capitol Hill. The Democratic and Republican nominees will meet independent Wally Pang and Green Party candidate John M. Wages Jr. in the November general election.
3/8/08
7 Qualify for Special
AP - Seven candidates meet qualifying deadline for Wicker's old seat- Seven candidates will be on the ballot to represent north Mississippi's 1st Congressional District in an April 22 nonpartisan special election.
They met Friday's 5 p.m. deadline to file qualifying papers according to a statement Friday by the Secretary of State's Office.
Those qualifying are: State Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville; Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers of Booneville; former state Rep. Greg Davis of Southaven; former Mayor Glenn McCullough Jr. of Tupelo; Wally Pang of Batesville; John Wages Jr. of Tupelo and Dr. Randy Russell, an Oxford ophthalmologist.
The election is being held to fill the seat left vacant by Republican Roger Wicker, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate seat long held by GOP leader Trent Lott.
They met Friday's 5 p.m. deadline to file qualifying papers according to a statement Friday by the Secretary of State's Office.
Those qualifying are: State Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville; Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers of Booneville; former state Rep. Greg Davis of Southaven; former Mayor Glenn McCullough Jr. of Tupelo; Wally Pang of Batesville; John Wages Jr. of Tupelo and Dr. Randy Russell, an Oxford ophthalmologist.
The election is being held to fill the seat left vacant by Republican Roger Wicker, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate seat long held by GOP leader Trent Lott.
3/7/08
Holland and Clinton
From a Steve Holland Campaign Email.
Since Bill Clinton is going to be at the Tupelo Furniture Market Friday, we are asking any who can to congregate at our Campaign Headquarters at 5361 Cliff Gookin Blvd. between 4 and 4:30 to pick up cards, attach magnetic door signs and Steve Holland lapel stickers and drive en masse to the location.
The doors at the Furniture Market open at 4:30 and they say Bill Clinton will be there about 5:30. It will be a free fish fry. Our opponents will have their supporters there so we need to be there, too.
It will give our Tuesday vote momentum. We are excited. We have added radio spots to our schedule. Our TV spots have been praised for the "Best of Show" on message, creativity and actors (our volunteers). Thanks for everything. Tell your friends not to forget to vote Tuesday. Also, forward this message to your email list.
Thanks,
Steve
Since Bill Clinton is going to be at the Tupelo Furniture Market Friday, we are asking any who can to congregate at our Campaign Headquarters at 5361 Cliff Gookin Blvd. between 4 and 4:30 to pick up cards, attach magnetic door signs and Steve Holland lapel stickers and drive en masse to the location.
The doors at the Furniture Market open at 4:30 and they say Bill Clinton will be there about 5:30. It will be a free fish fry. Our opponents will have their supporters there so we need to be there, too.
It will give our Tuesday vote momentum. We are excited. We have added radio spots to our schedule. Our TV spots have been praised for the "Best of Show" on message, creativity and actors (our volunteers). Thanks for everything. Tell your friends not to forget to vote Tuesday. Also, forward this message to your email list.
Thanks,
Steve
3/6/08
Salter On Leaders
ClarionLedger.com - Sid Salter Blog - 1st Congressional District: Close in both primaries... - In the 1st Congressional District, the Democratic nod should come down to state Rep. Steve Holland and Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers. Holland has more name ID, but that's not all good since some of it is negative. Childers is running a smart campaign and has a network of supporters among the district's other chancery clerks. Holland's working his legislative contacts. On the GOP side, Southaven Mayor Greg Davis and former TVA chairman Glenn McCullough are battling. Davis has stronger polling numbers, but McCullough has the edge in campaign finance. Both are making strong appeals to the MSU constituency.
And then, Mr. Turnbow has this note on yard signs:
I drove down highway 72 and up 45 yesterday in Mississippi. I didnt see many yard signs for that congressional race next month. I counted three signs for Greg Davis and one for Glenn McCullough but that was it. I went from the Bama stateline all the way into Selmer and that was all that I saw. I didnt see a single one of the democrats signs.
And then, Mr. Turnbow has this note on yard signs:
I drove down highway 72 and up 45 yesterday in Mississippi. I didnt see many yard signs for that congressional race next month. I counted three signs for Greg Davis and one for Glenn McCullough but that was it. I went from the Bama stateline all the way into Selmer and that was all that I saw. I didnt see a single one of the democrats signs.
McCullugh, Russell Debate
Mississippi Public Broadcasting - Republican Debate - Two republican candidates for the first congressional district seat held a debate last night in Aberdeen, in preparation for next week's primaries. The seat was vacated December 31st, when Roger Wicker was appointed to the senate. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
3/5/08
Sprint
Clarion Ledger - Congress candidates sprinting to primary
Daily Journal - Davis, McCullough take off the gloves
Daily Journal - McCullough, Russell polite in Monroe County GOP debate
Daily Journal - Davis, McCullough take off the gloves
Daily Journal - McCullough, Russell polite in Monroe County GOP debate
3/4/08
Davis poll shows lead; McCullough fights back
Roll Call - Mississippi: Poll Shows Davis With Substantial Primary Lead - Southaven Mayor Greg Davis (R) held a substantial lead over two Republican opponents in a poll his campaign recently conducted in advance of the March 11 1st district GOP primary. According to the poll of 300 likely primary voters taken Feb. 24-25 by Public Opinion Strategies, Davis was preferred by 45 percent, former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough (R) got 27 percent and ophthalmologist Randy Russell (R) took 3 percent. The poll had a 6-point margin of error.
Glenn McCullough has taken the first swing with this spot. HatTip: Mediaverse-Memphis
Glenn McCullough has taken the first swing with this spot. HatTip: Mediaverse-Memphis
3/3/08
History of the First District
Joe Rutherford - Daily Journal - History of the 1st District - The 1st Congressional District dates from 1846, when the Legislature required election by district rather than statewide, complying with a federal law passed in 1842. Mississippi was among four states that ignored the law and continued statewide congressional elections for a time after 1842.
Jacob Thompson, who was a Pontotoc resident, is generally recognized as the first 1st District congressman, even though he was elected statewide. Two of the 12 people who so far have served from the 1st District have been Republicans; the rest have been Democrats, except Benjamin Nabers, a Unionist, who served from 1851 to 1853.
Since Feb. 23, 1870, with the state’s readmission to the Union, the 1st District has been continuously a distinct electoral geographic entity, but its size, shape and population have changed with laws governing apportionment, as well as population shifts among states and in-state, loss of House seats statewide, racial equity, voting rights and political influences shaping its configuration. As late as the early 1970s, for example, the district extended to the Mississippi River across a deep swath of the northern counties. That changed with creation by federal decree of a significantly majority-black district stretching from the Jackson area northward to Tunica County.
The district grew in size and population after the 2000 Census because Mississippi’s House delegation dropped from five to four districts. The delegation peaked at eight members from the early 1900s to 1933.
The 1st District seat was empty from Mississippi’s secession in 1861 to its readmission to the Union in 1870, after the Civil War and Reconstruction under a military governor.
So far, 12 different people have served from the 1st District since its creation in 1846, with one man, L.Q.C. Lamar, serving terms before and after the Civil War. Lamar, who lived in and is buried in Oxford, is among the handful of most famous and influential Mississippians. He served in the House 1857 to 1861, when Mississippi seceded and joined the Confederate States of America, and again from 1873 to 1877, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate. Lamar later was President Grover Cleveland’s secretary of the Interior, then he was named associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He is the only Mississippian to have served on the highest court. Lamar may be best known generally for his eulogy for Massachusetts Republican Sen. Charles Sumner, an abolitionist and architect of Reconstruction policies under which the South was governed after the Civil War. Lamar, who was a freshman representative when Sumner died in 1874, struck what has been praised as a conciliatory tone, placing a rhetorical balm on some of the lingering bitterness between the regions. He was included in John F. Kennedy’s noted book, “Profiles in Courage.”
Wiseman cited among other influential 1st District representatives:
John Allen, a Tupelo Democrat whose oratorical skills helped build broad coalitions from 1885 to 1901, when he left the House and unsuccessfully sought a U.S. Senate seat. It was Allen – best known for the campaign name “Private John Allen” – who helped bring Tupelo to national note as a new Southern city through a speech seeking a federal fish hatchery that now bears his name. He later served as commissioner of the St. Louis World Exposition. It was a world’s fair in 1904 marking the beginning of the modern era. Payne said Allen was allied "with what historians call the 'Redeemers,' those who held power before the war but allied themselves with northern industrialists to gain power that had been taken from them during the Civil War. He supported the Mississippi Levee system and other internal improvements. But his talk of voting for a 'private' was an effort to tap into the populist vote, not a genuine effort to improve the lives of ordinary people."
John Rankin, also a Democrat from Tupelo, was elected in 1920 and served until 1953. He was a close ally of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, except on race issues, and he was influential in establishing the Tennessee Valley Authority and Rural Electrification Administration, and won authorization with legislation leading eventually to construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Payne, who notes she has indirect family connections to Rankin, said, "He co-sponsored the bill to create the TVA – although some ecologists think that was a disastrous decision. He supported the Rural Electrification Act and the G.I. Bill of Rights. At the same time, he was a vicious racist. He blamed battle defeats during World War II on the cowardice of black soldiers. His assertion flew in the face of the documented bravery of, for example, the Tuskegee Flyers. He also was an aggressive member of the House Committee on Un-American Activities and refused to investigate the KKK, saying it was an "old American institution." In fact, it was not; it was relatively new.
Jamie L. Whitten, a Democrat from Charleston, became the 1st District’s congressman in 1973. Whitten had served the 2nd District since 1941, but redistricting moved him into the 1st District. He was chairman of the Agriculture Committee, the Appropriations Committee and served in the House longer than any other member, retiring in 1995. "I tell you," Wiseman said, "when Jamie Whitten was chairman of House Appropriations and John Stennis was chairman of Senate Appropriations, that was a powerful combination." Wiseman said the two Appropriations chairmanships were the equivalent of much larger whole states' delegations and were an equalizer despite Mississippi’s diminishing numerical representation in the House. Payne sees Whitten as a white Southern politician who changed with the times. "He saw crucial transitions," she said. "Beginning as an arch conservative on race, he voted against all the civil rights legislation in the 1950s and 1960s. Like George Wallace – and whether for purely political or heartfelt reasons, we do not know – he later apologized for his segregationist views. It is clear, however, that he clashed with the values of the rising Republican Party in Mississippi." Payne said she believes the "crucible of Mississippi politics is about race, hierarchy and class. Whitten is the best example of someone who dealt with these issues over a lifetime of service. The next representative should take lessons from him."
Jacob Thompson, who was a Pontotoc resident, is generally recognized as the first 1st District congressman, even though he was elected statewide. Two of the 12 people who so far have served from the 1st District have been Republicans; the rest have been Democrats, except Benjamin Nabers, a Unionist, who served from 1851 to 1853.
Since Feb. 23, 1870, with the state’s readmission to the Union, the 1st District has been continuously a distinct electoral geographic entity, but its size, shape and population have changed with laws governing apportionment, as well as population shifts among states and in-state, loss of House seats statewide, racial equity, voting rights and political influences shaping its configuration. As late as the early 1970s, for example, the district extended to the Mississippi River across a deep swath of the northern counties. That changed with creation by federal decree of a significantly majority-black district stretching from the Jackson area northward to Tunica County.
The district grew in size and population after the 2000 Census because Mississippi’s House delegation dropped from five to four districts. The delegation peaked at eight members from the early 1900s to 1933.
The 1st District seat was empty from Mississippi’s secession in 1861 to its readmission to the Union in 1870, after the Civil War and Reconstruction under a military governor.
So far, 12 different people have served from the 1st District since its creation in 1846, with one man, L.Q.C. Lamar, serving terms before and after the Civil War. Lamar, who lived in and is buried in Oxford, is among the handful of most famous and influential Mississippians. He served in the House 1857 to 1861, when Mississippi seceded and joined the Confederate States of America, and again from 1873 to 1877, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate. Lamar later was President Grover Cleveland’s secretary of the Interior, then he was named associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He is the only Mississippian to have served on the highest court. Lamar may be best known generally for his eulogy for Massachusetts Republican Sen. Charles Sumner, an abolitionist and architect of Reconstruction policies under which the South was governed after the Civil War. Lamar, who was a freshman representative when Sumner died in 1874, struck what has been praised as a conciliatory tone, placing a rhetorical balm on some of the lingering bitterness between the regions. He was included in John F. Kennedy’s noted book, “Profiles in Courage.”
Wiseman cited among other influential 1st District representatives:
John Allen, a Tupelo Democrat whose oratorical skills helped build broad coalitions from 1885 to 1901, when he left the House and unsuccessfully sought a U.S. Senate seat. It was Allen – best known for the campaign name “Private John Allen” – who helped bring Tupelo to national note as a new Southern city through a speech seeking a federal fish hatchery that now bears his name. He later served as commissioner of the St. Louis World Exposition. It was a world’s fair in 1904 marking the beginning of the modern era. Payne said Allen was allied "with what historians call the 'Redeemers,' those who held power before the war but allied themselves with northern industrialists to gain power that had been taken from them during the Civil War. He supported the Mississippi Levee system and other internal improvements. But his talk of voting for a 'private' was an effort to tap into the populist vote, not a genuine effort to improve the lives of ordinary people."
John Rankin, also a Democrat from Tupelo, was elected in 1920 and served until 1953. He was a close ally of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, except on race issues, and he was influential in establishing the Tennessee Valley Authority and Rural Electrification Administration, and won authorization with legislation leading eventually to construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Payne, who notes she has indirect family connections to Rankin, said, "He co-sponsored the bill to create the TVA – although some ecologists think that was a disastrous decision. He supported the Rural Electrification Act and the G.I. Bill of Rights. At the same time, he was a vicious racist. He blamed battle defeats during World War II on the cowardice of black soldiers. His assertion flew in the face of the documented bravery of, for example, the Tuskegee Flyers. He also was an aggressive member of the House Committee on Un-American Activities and refused to investigate the KKK, saying it was an "old American institution." In fact, it was not; it was relatively new.
Jamie L. Whitten, a Democrat from Charleston, became the 1st District’s congressman in 1973. Whitten had served the 2nd District since 1941, but redistricting moved him into the 1st District. He was chairman of the Agriculture Committee, the Appropriations Committee and served in the House longer than any other member, retiring in 1995. "I tell you," Wiseman said, "when Jamie Whitten was chairman of House Appropriations and John Stennis was chairman of Senate Appropriations, that was a powerful combination." Wiseman said the two Appropriations chairmanships were the equivalent of much larger whole states' delegations and were an equalizer despite Mississippi’s diminishing numerical representation in the House. Payne sees Whitten as a white Southern politician who changed with the times. "He saw crucial transitions," she said. "Beginning as an arch conservative on race, he voted against all the civil rights legislation in the 1950s and 1960s. Like George Wallace – and whether for purely political or heartfelt reasons, we do not know – he later apologized for his segregationist views. It is clear, however, that he clashed with the values of the rising Republican Party in Mississippi." Payne said she believes the "crucible of Mississippi politics is about race, hierarchy and class. Whitten is the best example of someone who dealt with these issues over a lifetime of service. The next representative should take lessons from him."
Taggart: Greg Davis skipping only debate in First District race
ClarionLedger.com - Andy Taggart Blog - Greg Davis skipping only debate in First District race - On March 4, the three Republican candidates for Congress up in the First District, running to succeed Roger Wicker, were to have participated in the only debate before the March 11 primary. The debate forum is being sponsored by the Monroe County Republican Committee, the Mississippi Republican Party, and MSU's Stennis Institute. Sounds like a pretty even-handed line-up from here.
Republican candidates Glenn McCullough and Randy Russell have accepted the invitation for the debate. Southaven Mayor Greg Davis has declined, citing a conflict. Voters are usually willing to give a candidate some slack when he ends up missing one out of several debate events due to scheduling conflicts. But look for Davis to take some hits -- and voters to want some answers -- if he dodges the only debate scheduled for that race.
(Disclosure: Glenn McCullough is my business partner, and Randy Russell is a long-time personal friend).
Republican candidates Glenn McCullough and Randy Russell have accepted the invitation for the debate. Southaven Mayor Greg Davis has declined, citing a conflict. Voters are usually willing to give a candidate some slack when he ends up missing one out of several debate events due to scheduling conflicts. But look for Davis to take some hits -- and voters to want some answers -- if he dodges the only debate scheduled for that race.
(Disclosure: Glenn McCullough is my business partner, and Randy Russell is a long-time personal friend).
3/2/08
Gray: A good field on short notice
Lloyd Gray - Daily Journal - In 1st District, a good field on short notice - For only the second time since the 1920s, there is no incumbent running for the 1st District seat. If anybody living in North Mississippi who is at or approaching middle age wants to be a congressman, now is the time to go for it.
All things considered – especially the short time frame for making a decision and assembling a campaign – the field is a good one. The Daily Journal has just completed face-to-face interviews with all eight Democratic and Republican candidates in the March 11 primaries, and most say the same thing about the political environment: 1) It’s quiet out there – not a lot of talk about the race; and 2) When there is talk, it’s laced with confusion about the nature and sequence of the political events upon us.
If you vote in the Republican primary, you will choose for Congress from among Greg Davis, mayor of Southaven and a former state representative; Glenn McCullough, former Tupelo mayor and TVA chairman; and Dr. Randy Russell of Lafayette County, an ophthalmologist and longtime Republican activist. On the same Republican ballot will be the presidential choices and Cochran, who is unopposed in the primary.
If you vote Democratic, you’ll select a 1st District nominee from among Travis Childers of Booneville, Prentiss County chancery clerk and businessman; Marshall Coleman, a Calhoun City businessman and alderman; veteran state Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville, owner of a Tupelo funeral home; Ken Hurt, a longtime political operative from Verona who’s “suspended” his campaign and endorsed Coleman; and Brian Neely of Tupelo, a former Lee County prosecuting attorney.
The Democratic ballot will also include the presidential contenders and two prospective Senate nominees to oppose Cochran, perennial candidate Shawn O’Hara of Hattiesburg and former state Rep. Erik Fleming of Jackson, the 2006 Democratic nominee against Trent Lott.
If no candidate for Congress gets a majority vote in either or both of the March 11 primaries, there will be a runoff April 1 to decide the nominee. And even if there are no runoffs, you’ll still have another chance to vote on April 22. The March 11 primaries and November general election are to select someone for the term beginning in January 2009; the seat is vacant now, and the April 22 vote will be to elect someone to serve for the remainder of this year and all the candidates will be on the same ballot, regardless of party.
Democracy shouldn’t be this complicated. When the political professionals and hobbyists have a hard time figuring things out, you know it’s a jumble of confusion.
But to get back to an original point, it’s a good slate of candidates on such short notice. The Daily Journal completes publication Monday of a four-week series of candidate responses to our questionnaire, and there will be more on the candidates later in the week. We’ll have a special section next Sunday to again review what’s coming. Good luck navigating it all.
All things considered – especially the short time frame for making a decision and assembling a campaign – the field is a good one. The Daily Journal has just completed face-to-face interviews with all eight Democratic and Republican candidates in the March 11 primaries, and most say the same thing about the political environment: 1) It’s quiet out there – not a lot of talk about the race; and 2) When there is talk, it’s laced with confusion about the nature and sequence of the political events upon us.
If you vote in the Republican primary, you will choose for Congress from among Greg Davis, mayor of Southaven and a former state representative; Glenn McCullough, former Tupelo mayor and TVA chairman; and Dr. Randy Russell of Lafayette County, an ophthalmologist and longtime Republican activist. On the same Republican ballot will be the presidential choices and Cochran, who is unopposed in the primary.
If you vote Democratic, you’ll select a 1st District nominee from among Travis Childers of Booneville, Prentiss County chancery clerk and businessman; Marshall Coleman, a Calhoun City businessman and alderman; veteran state Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville, owner of a Tupelo funeral home; Ken Hurt, a longtime political operative from Verona who’s “suspended” his campaign and endorsed Coleman; and Brian Neely of Tupelo, a former Lee County prosecuting attorney.
The Democratic ballot will also include the presidential contenders and two prospective Senate nominees to oppose Cochran, perennial candidate Shawn O’Hara of Hattiesburg and former state Rep. Erik Fleming of Jackson, the 2006 Democratic nominee against Trent Lott.
If no candidate for Congress gets a majority vote in either or both of the March 11 primaries, there will be a runoff April 1 to decide the nominee. And even if there are no runoffs, you’ll still have another chance to vote on April 22. The March 11 primaries and November general election are to select someone for the term beginning in January 2009; the seat is vacant now, and the April 22 vote will be to elect someone to serve for the remainder of this year and all the candidates will be on the same ballot, regardless of party.
Democracy shouldn’t be this complicated. When the political professionals and hobbyists have a hard time figuring things out, you know it’s a jumble of confusion.
But to get back to an original point, it’s a good slate of candidates on such short notice. The Daily Journal completes publication Monday of a four-week series of candidate responses to our questionnaire, and there will be more on the candidates later in the week. We’ll have a special section next Sunday to again review what’s coming. Good luck navigating it all.
Follow the money
Daily Journal - Follow the money: Big bucks fuel campaign for 1st District - Running for U.S. Congress in North Mississippi will cost a bundle this year, federal campaign pre-election reports due Thursday show.
Tupelo's Glenn L. McCullough Jr., a Republican, is the leading money-raiser among candidates in the upcoming primaries with $334,061.18.
Second to McCullough among the three Republicans is Southaven Mayor Greg Davis with $252,255.49, while Oxford ophthalmologist Dr. Randy Russell is third with $161,394.08.
On the Democratic side, state Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville and longtime Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers lead in contributions.
Holland reported total contributions of $239,024.25, which included a $200,000 loan from himself. Childers garnered $181,627.94, which included a $100,000 loan from himself.
Political analysts also look at the number of contributions: McCullough leads that category with 345 individual donors at $200 or more. Davis follows with 208. Russell and Childers are next with 82 and 72, respectively.
Nobody has worked the political action committees the way McCullough has - $45,500 of his war-chest comes from PACS, which are registered organizations established to influence Congress and other policymaking groups about their causes.
Russell is the only other candidate who reported receiving PAC money - $14,000.
Among the other Democrats: Tupelo attorney Brian Neely reported $750 in contributions. Alderman Marshall Coleman said he hasn't filed his FEC report yet because his campaign hasn't passed the $5,000 spending level he says controls report filings. Ken Hurt of Verona withdrew from the race, although his name will remain on the first-primary ballot.
By comparison, at the end of 2007 then-U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker had a campaign committee balance of $550,934 although he has had little serious competition for re-election since he won the seat in 1994.
Tupelo's Glenn L. McCullough Jr., a Republican, is the leading money-raiser among candidates in the upcoming primaries with $334,061.18.
Second to McCullough among the three Republicans is Southaven Mayor Greg Davis with $252,255.49, while Oxford ophthalmologist Dr. Randy Russell is third with $161,394.08.
On the Democratic side, state Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville and longtime Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers lead in contributions.
Holland reported total contributions of $239,024.25, which included a $200,000 loan from himself. Childers garnered $181,627.94, which included a $100,000 loan from himself.
Political analysts also look at the number of contributions: McCullough leads that category with 345 individual donors at $200 or more. Davis follows with 208. Russell and Childers are next with 82 and 72, respectively.
Nobody has worked the political action committees the way McCullough has - $45,500 of his war-chest comes from PACS, which are registered organizations established to influence Congress and other policymaking groups about their causes.
Russell is the only other candidate who reported receiving PAC money - $14,000.
Among the other Democrats: Tupelo attorney Brian Neely reported $750 in contributions. Alderman Marshall Coleman said he hasn't filed his FEC report yet because his campaign hasn't passed the $5,000 spending level he says controls report filings. Ken Hurt of Verona withdrew from the race, although his name will remain on the first-primary ballot.
By comparison, at the end of 2007 then-U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker had a campaign committee balance of $550,934 although he has had little serious competition for re-election since he won the seat in 1994.
McCullough tops in funds
Commercial Appeal - McCullough tops in funds - Less than two weeks before the primaries, congressional candidate Glenn McCullough, hoping to represent a district that includes DeSoto County, has raised more money than any of his opponents, including Southaven Mayor Greg Davis. McCullough, former Tupelo mayor, raised $334,061, about $66,800 more than Davis, who is in his third term as mayor of DeSoto County's largest city.
Davis came in second in fundraising with $267,255 from a list of four candidates whose reports for contributions through Feb. 20 were posted by the Federal Election Commission by late Friday.
Democratic candidate Travis Childers came in third with $175,297.94 in contributions and loans, according to Federal Election Commission reports released this week.
Republican candidate Randy Russell came in fourth with $161,394 from individual contributors, loans and PAC money, according to his finance report.
Reports on Democratic candidates Marshall Coleman, Steve Holland and Brian Neely were not posted by the FEC by late Friday.
Davis' supporters included many area homemakers, bankers and business owners but also from Memphis developer Jack Belz, who donated $333.35. Folks Folly restaurant owner, Humphrey Folk gave $1,000. State Farm agent Barry Bouchillon donated $750. DeSoto County Chancery Court Clerk W. E. (Sluggo) Davis donated $2,000, while Davis' wife, Wanda Davis, gave $1,000. DeSoto education Supt. Milton Kuykendall donated $1,000. He also received donations from many Realtors and builders, including Barry Bridgforth of Bridgforth Realty in Olive Branch and Memphis developer Hal Crenshaw, who each donated $2,300. Tyne Brownlow of NAI Saig Real Estate donated $500 and Southaven builder Jerry Chambliss donated $1,000. Former Memphis city councilman Brent Taylor donated $2,300. Southaven Alderman Greg Guy also donated $2,300. The finance reports showed Davis spent $206,396 in his campaign with the largest sum, $108,246, going to Anthem Media of Austin, Texas, for his television shoot and television ads.
McCullough said contributions to his campaign reflect broad support within the district for him. Of 24 counties that are part of the district, contributions have been received from people associated with 18 of those counties. An itemized list of the contributions, which can be viewed at fec.gov, shows contributions to McCullough from a broad spectrum of the public. The list includes only a few contributors from DeSoto County. The wife of former Hernando Mayor Ed Gale and homemaker Suzy Marcy of Nesbit are listed as having given $500 each, and Olive Branch broker Bryan Shaver is listed as having given $1,000. Two Memphians are listed: Rush O'Keefe Jr., senior vice president and general counsel of FedEx, with a $2,300 contribution, and real estate developer Henry M. Turley Jr., with a $2,300 contribution. McCullough's campaign expenses totaled $142,914, including $68,092.24 for "media and polling" and $18,895.57 for a mass mailing.
On Friday at a news conference, McCullough criticized Davis not accepting an invitation to debate him Tuesday in Aberdeen. Davis' campaign manager, Ted Prill, responded by saying the mayor had a prior commitment and the opponents have already been and will be in several question-and-answer forums together.
Davis came in second in fundraising with $267,255 from a list of four candidates whose reports for contributions through Feb. 20 were posted by the Federal Election Commission by late Friday.
Democratic candidate Travis Childers came in third with $175,297.94 in contributions and loans, according to Federal Election Commission reports released this week.
Republican candidate Randy Russell came in fourth with $161,394 from individual contributors, loans and PAC money, according to his finance report.
Reports on Democratic candidates Marshall Coleman, Steve Holland and Brian Neely were not posted by the FEC by late Friday.
Davis' supporters included many area homemakers, bankers and business owners but also from Memphis developer Jack Belz, who donated $333.35. Folks Folly restaurant owner, Humphrey Folk gave $1,000. State Farm agent Barry Bouchillon donated $750. DeSoto County Chancery Court Clerk W. E. (Sluggo) Davis donated $2,000, while Davis' wife, Wanda Davis, gave $1,000. DeSoto education Supt. Milton Kuykendall donated $1,000. He also received donations from many Realtors and builders, including Barry Bridgforth of Bridgforth Realty in Olive Branch and Memphis developer Hal Crenshaw, who each donated $2,300. Tyne Brownlow of NAI Saig Real Estate donated $500 and Southaven builder Jerry Chambliss donated $1,000. Former Memphis city councilman Brent Taylor donated $2,300. Southaven Alderman Greg Guy also donated $2,300. The finance reports showed Davis spent $206,396 in his campaign with the largest sum, $108,246, going to Anthem Media of Austin, Texas, for his television shoot and television ads.
McCullough said contributions to his campaign reflect broad support within the district for him. Of 24 counties that are part of the district, contributions have been received from people associated with 18 of those counties. An itemized list of the contributions, which can be viewed at fec.gov, shows contributions to McCullough from a broad spectrum of the public. The list includes only a few contributors from DeSoto County. The wife of former Hernando Mayor Ed Gale and homemaker Suzy Marcy of Nesbit are listed as having given $500 each, and Olive Branch broker Bryan Shaver is listed as having given $1,000. Two Memphians are listed: Rush O'Keefe Jr., senior vice president and general counsel of FedEx, with a $2,300 contribution, and real estate developer Henry M. Turley Jr., with a $2,300 contribution. McCullough's campaign expenses totaled $142,914, including $68,092.24 for "media and polling" and $18,895.57 for a mass mailing.
On Friday at a news conference, McCullough criticized Davis not accepting an invitation to debate him Tuesday in Aberdeen. Davis' campaign manager, Ted Prill, responded by saying the mayor had a prior commitment and the opponents have already been and will be in several question-and-answer forums together.
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