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.
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.
McCullough challenges opponents to debate
Daily Journal - McCullough: Voters deserve debates with full participation - Glenn McCullough Jr. of Tupelo, a Republican candidate for the 1st District U.S. House seat, challenged his party opponents to join him in debates Friday. "The voters deserve the chance to compare us side by side," he said, "and it's time for the three Republican candidates to come together to give them the choice."
His challenge came during a news conference on the steps of the Olive Branch City Hall. McCullough and Dr. Randy Russell, two of the three candidates for the seat, have accepted an invitation from the Monroe County Republican Committee for a debate in Aberdeen. McCullough says there should be similar debates in Oxford and in the DeSoto County area. Southaven Mayor Greg Davis is the third Republican candidate.
The Aberdeen debate is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Elks Building downtown. The Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University will assist the Monroe County Republican Committee.
His challenge came during a news conference on the steps of the Olive Branch City Hall. McCullough and Dr. Randy Russell, two of the three candidates for the seat, have accepted an invitation from the Monroe County Republican Committee for a debate in Aberdeen. McCullough says there should be similar debates in Oxford and in the DeSoto County area. Southaven Mayor Greg Davis is the third Republican candidate.
The Aberdeen debate is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Elks Building downtown. The Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University will assist the Monroe County Republican Committee.
3/1/08
McCullough Leads Money Race
The Clarion Ledger - Former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough, a Republican, holds the fundraising lead in the race for the 1st District seat vacated by Sen. Roger Wicker, who represented the district in Congress for 12 years before his appointment to the Senate. From Jan. 1 to Feb. 20, McCullough raised about $334,000 and spent about $142,000. About $45,500 came from political action committees, including the Entergy Corporation Political Action Committee and the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi. McCullough has used his fundraising advantage to run ads on local television, a Christian radio station and another local radio station, said campaign manager Brad Davis.
The two other Republicans in the race, Southhaven Mayor Greg Davis and Oxford doctor Randy Russell, raised about $267,000 and $161,000 respectively.
Democrats who filed for the seat are state Rep. Steve Holland, Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers, Tupelo lawyer Brian Neely, Derma businessman Marshall Coleman and political consultant Ken Hurt. Campaign finance reports for them were not available as of Friday.
The race for the 1st District seat is characterized by a compressed calendar - the seat became vacant on Jan. 1 - and several elections. "It's been a very compact period to do a lot of stuff," Davis said. The winner of the March 11 primary will run in the Nov. 4 general election. But a special election will be held on April 22 to fill the seat for the remainder of this congressional term.
The two other Republicans in the race, Southhaven Mayor Greg Davis and Oxford doctor Randy Russell, raised about $267,000 and $161,000 respectively.
Democrats who filed for the seat are state Rep. Steve Holland, Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers, Tupelo lawyer Brian Neely, Derma businessman Marshall Coleman and political consultant Ken Hurt. Campaign finance reports for them were not available as of Friday.
The race for the 1st District seat is characterized by a compressed calendar - the seat became vacant on Jan. 1 - and several elections. "It's been a very compact period to do a lot of stuff," Davis said. The winner of the March 11 primary will run in the Nov. 4 general election. But a special election will be held on April 22 to fill the seat for the remainder of this congressional term.
2/29/08
Money Talks
CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS - The Money Race Is On In Mississippi House Primary Contests -The 1st District, formerly held by Republican Rep. Roger Wicker, who was appointed to succeed Trent Lott in the Senate. CQ Politics rates the seat Safe Republican. A special election in the northern 1st District is scheduled for April 22 to choose a temporary successor who will serve until January 2009.
In the 1st District, former Tupelo mayor Glenn L. McCullough Jr. raised the most among Republicans: $334,000 through Feb. 20. Democratic Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis W. Childers raised the most for his party, $182,000, $103,000 of which came from personal loans.
Republicans
• Glenn L. McCullough Jr., former Tupelo mayor, raised $334,000 and reported $191,000 on hand.
• Greg Davis, mayor of Southaven, raised $252,000 and reported $61,000 on hand.
• Randy Russell, ophthalmologist, raised $161,000* and reported $80,000 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidate accounted for $80,000 in receipts.
Democrats
• Travis W. Childers, Prentiss County Chancery Clerk, raised $182,000* and reported $119,000 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidate accounted for $103,000 in receipts.
In the 1st District, former Tupelo mayor Glenn L. McCullough Jr. raised the most among Republicans: $334,000 through Feb. 20. Democratic Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis W. Childers raised the most for his party, $182,000, $103,000 of which came from personal loans.
Republicans
• Glenn L. McCullough Jr., former Tupelo mayor, raised $334,000 and reported $191,000 on hand.
• Greg Davis, mayor of Southaven, raised $252,000 and reported $61,000 on hand.
• Randy Russell, ophthalmologist, raised $161,000* and reported $80,000 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidate accounted for $80,000 in receipts.
Democrats
• Travis W. Childers, Prentiss County Chancery Clerk, raised $182,000* and reported $119,000 on hand.
*Personal contributions from the candidate accounted for $103,000 in receipts.
GOP Debate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Cory Adair, Political Director
(601) 948-5191; cory@msgop.org
MISSISSIPPI REPUBLICAN PARTY ANNOUNCES FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEBATE
Jackson, Miss – The Mississippi Republican Party, along with the Monroe County Republican Party and the John C. Stennis Institute of Government, is sponsoring a debate for the Republican candidates in Mississippi’s First Congressional District.
The debate will be held on Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Elkin Theatre in Downtown Aberdeen, Mississippi. “We are excited to have the opportunity to co-sponsor a debate between these candidates,” said Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Jim Herring. “We are confident a Republican will carry this district again in November, so it’s important that the candidates have a discussion of issues that relate to conservatives in the First District.”
Admission is free, and doors at the Elkin Theatre will open at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night. For more information, contact the Mississippi Republican Party at (601) 948-5191 or Chris Brown with the Monroe County Republican Party at (662) 315-6966.
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CONTACT: Cory Adair, Political Director
(601) 948-5191; cory@msgop.org
MISSISSIPPI REPUBLICAN PARTY ANNOUNCES FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEBATE
Jackson, Miss – The Mississippi Republican Party, along with the Monroe County Republican Party and the John C. Stennis Institute of Government, is sponsoring a debate for the Republican candidates in Mississippi’s First Congressional District.
The debate will be held on Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Elkin Theatre in Downtown Aberdeen, Mississippi. “We are excited to have the opportunity to co-sponsor a debate between these candidates,” said Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Jim Herring. “We are confident a Republican will carry this district again in November, so it’s important that the candidates have a discussion of issues that relate to conservatives in the First District.”
Admission is free, and doors at the Elkin Theatre will open at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night. For more information, contact the Mississippi Republican Party at (601) 948-5191 or Chris Brown with the Monroe County Republican Party at (662) 315-6966.
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Hot Air and Heritage
Glenn McCullough's new spot.
HatTip to and commentary at RightOfMississippi.
Steve Holland's new spot.
HatTip to CottonMouth.
HatTip to and commentary at RightOfMississippi.
Steve Holland's new spot.
HatTip to CottonMouth.
2/28/08
6 legs for Davis
Daily Journal - Six legislators support Davis for U.S. House - Greg Davis, a Republican candidate for the 1st District House seat, was endorsed Wednesday by six members of the Mississippi Legislature. They are: Sens. Merle Flowers and Doug Davis and Reps. Wanda Jennings, Forrest Hamilton, Tommy Woods and Ted Mayhall.
2/26/08
Republicans Debate in Aberdeen
Daily Journal - GOP hopefuls for House to debate in Aberdeen - The first political debate in the race to fill former U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker’s seat has been set for March 4 in Aberdeen, a Republican-only event that will feature two of the three GOP candidates. Planning to appear are Republicans Randy Russell of Oxford and Glenn McCullough of Tupelo. The third Republican, Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, cannot attend. The debate, organized by the Monroe County Republican Committee with assistance from the Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University, will start at 7 p.m. in the Elks Building downtown. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the debate is scheduled to last about one hour. Brad Davis, a McCullough staffer, said the University of Mississippi in Oxford and a DeSoto County group could hold debates before the first election.
Forum in Nesbit
Desoto Times - 1st District forum set for March 5 - The Northwest Mississippi Association of Realtors will sponsor a political forum on March 5 featuring the candidates vying for U.S. Representative in the First Congressional District. The forum will get underway at 10 a.m. Republican candidates include Greg Davis, Glenn L. McCullough, Jr., and Dr. Randy Russell. Democratic candidates are Travis W. Childers, Marshall W. Coleman, Steve Holland, and Brian Neely. The forum will be conducted in the large meeting room of the Realtors Association, located at 2795 U.S. 51, Nesbit.
Holland Campaign Email
This week has been exciting! Many are volunteering, saying that Steve is needed in Washington to represent regular working folks like he takes care of their needs in Jackson. This certainly is encouraging for the family and workers in the headquarters.
While Steve was furiously fighting for more Medicaid funds and championing the cigarette tax to help finance health care needs, I was on the phone calling our friends for direct help. The response is great. Many of you have responded in such a generous manner. The Holland Family will never forget.
Deadlines in the Mississippi House of Representatives where Steve is Chairman of Public Health, is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and one of the Leadership Team that sets the whole legislative agenda, all, his responsibilities, have kept him from being out in the district as much as he wants. These travels are confined to the weekends. Professionals say Steve's campaign radio and TV spots are the best in the field this year. We have others to air soon. I hope you're hearing and seeing them. We welcome your feed back.
One way you can help with our campaign is to forward this email to your list of friends and associates on your email contacts list.
Thursday night I represented Steve in DeSoto County where we got a gracious reception and found many who were already carrying our message. They tell us that Steve is the candidate who can win the Special Election on April 22 and win in the General Election in November.
While speaking to a very large crown at the Hernando Courthouse, I pointed out that on our candidate card there is a picture of Steve holding our granddaughter by our foster son and his wife. I told them what a fool we were as grandparents about her and that she calls Steve "Big." Many grandmothers wanted a campaign card and shared their own grandchildren stories with me.
If you haven't got a campaign card, I'd like to send you one to show off our granddaughter. Steve and I have two sons and two daughters, but only one granddaughter.
Remember, it's March 11. That's the Democratic primary. Thanks and forward this on to others.
The next two weeks will be furiously busy for us, and if you have any time you want to donate, we have something for you to do. You can either respond to this email or call Amy, our office manager at 662-842-6464.
Once again, thank you for your support and generosity!
GH
While Steve was furiously fighting for more Medicaid funds and championing the cigarette tax to help finance health care needs, I was on the phone calling our friends for direct help. The response is great. Many of you have responded in such a generous manner. The Holland Family will never forget.
Deadlines in the Mississippi House of Representatives where Steve is Chairman of Public Health, is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and one of the Leadership Team that sets the whole legislative agenda, all, his responsibilities, have kept him from being out in the district as much as he wants. These travels are confined to the weekends. Professionals say Steve's campaign radio and TV spots are the best in the field this year. We have others to air soon. I hope you're hearing and seeing them. We welcome your feed back.
One way you can help with our campaign is to forward this email to your list of friends and associates on your email contacts list.
Thursday night I represented Steve in DeSoto County where we got a gracious reception and found many who were already carrying our message. They tell us that Steve is the candidate who can win the Special Election on April 22 and win in the General Election in November.
While speaking to a very large crown at the Hernando Courthouse, I pointed out that on our candidate card there is a picture of Steve holding our granddaughter by our foster son and his wife. I told them what a fool we were as grandparents about her and that she calls Steve "Big." Many grandmothers wanted a campaign card and shared their own grandchildren stories with me.
If you haven't got a campaign card, I'd like to send you one to show off our granddaughter. Steve and I have two sons and two daughters, but only one granddaughter.
Remember, it's March 11. That's the Democratic primary. Thanks and forward this on to others.
The next two weeks will be furiously busy for us, and if you have any time you want to donate, we have something for you to do. You can either respond to this email or call Amy, our office manager at 662-842-6464.
Once again, thank you for your support and generosity!
GH
2/25/08
Three Republicans in Desoto Forum
Desoto Times - Republicans go head-to-head - The three Republican candidates vying to become the next U.S. Representative from the First Congressional District squared off Thursday in a forum sponsored by the Republican Women of the DeSoto Area.
Russell, a practicing ophthalmologist from Oxford, called himself a true disciple of Ronald Reagan and family values advocate. He and his wife Amy, parents of two biological children, have been foster parents to 90 children during the course of their 24-year marriage. "There is nothing more important than protecting human life," Russell said. "Every one of us started out as a fertilized egg." Russell said he would protect the rights of the unborn if elected to Congress and work to secure America's borders. "You don't leave the door to your home open," Russell said. "America is our home." Russell estimates there are between 20 to 30 million people who are not supposed to be in this country." Russell said the state of American healthcare needs to be improved and be made more efficient. A staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights, Russell said he advocates a strong military.
Glenn McCullough, Jr., a sixth-generation Mississippian, said he, too, is a conservative Republican who will protect America's freedoms. "This country is founded on your right to life," McCullough said, citing the preamble to the "Declaration of Independence that guaranteed "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." "It's a basic right that all Americans have," McCullough said. "If we forget we are one nation under God, we will be a nation gone under." He chastised what he called "liberal courts that take away basic freedoms.' McCullough, former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, also touted his working relationships with Washington D.C. power brokers such as Mississippi's senior U.S. Senator Thad Cochran. "We need to make sure you have full funding for I-69," McCullough said. "DeSoto County is the 34th fastest growing county in the U.S. I am the person who has sat down with Sen. Cochran and his staff." McCullough said the future Interstate 22 needs to be completed in parts of Alabama to fully operate as an interstate system. He said the region's airports and other infrastructure are important to the county's future. "The second busiest private airport in the state is in Olive Branch," McCullough noted. McCullough said as a former mayor, city council member and business leader, he knows how to work with various levels of government to build on that investment.
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis said his tenure of service as a mayor for 11 years and a state legislator for seven years has proved his leadership abilities. Davis served as a state legislator from Southaven from 1991-97. "When we were down there, we were the Right to Life authors," Davis said, adding lawmakers were among the first in the nation to outlaw partial birth abortion. "I'm a firm believer in the sanctity of life," Davis, father of three young daughters. Davis said if elected to Congress he would bring the same type of efficiency in government that he has brought to City Hall. "We've been able to acquire enough renters at city hall to pay for our utilities," Davis said. "We've gone from spending 60 percent on bureaucrats to more than 60 percent on public safety." Davis said as mayor Southaven's crime index is far lower than neighboring Memphis. Davis said Memphis has a crime index of 18.5 while Southaven's crime index is at 1.7 for violent crime. That equates to 1.7 instances of violent crime per one thousand people. Davis said his city invested more than $10 million into Snowden Grove and has seen a return on that investment of nearly 100,000 visitors a year. "It was because we had a vision," Davis said.
Russell, a practicing ophthalmologist from Oxford, called himself a true disciple of Ronald Reagan and family values advocate. He and his wife Amy, parents of two biological children, have been foster parents to 90 children during the course of their 24-year marriage. "There is nothing more important than protecting human life," Russell said. "Every one of us started out as a fertilized egg." Russell said he would protect the rights of the unborn if elected to Congress and work to secure America's borders. "You don't leave the door to your home open," Russell said. "America is our home." Russell estimates there are between 20 to 30 million people who are not supposed to be in this country." Russell said the state of American healthcare needs to be improved and be made more efficient. A staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights, Russell said he advocates a strong military.
Glenn McCullough, Jr., a sixth-generation Mississippian, said he, too, is a conservative Republican who will protect America's freedoms. "This country is founded on your right to life," McCullough said, citing the preamble to the "Declaration of Independence that guaranteed "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." "It's a basic right that all Americans have," McCullough said. "If we forget we are one nation under God, we will be a nation gone under." He chastised what he called "liberal courts that take away basic freedoms.' McCullough, former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, also touted his working relationships with Washington D.C. power brokers such as Mississippi's senior U.S. Senator Thad Cochran. "We need to make sure you have full funding for I-69," McCullough said. "DeSoto County is the 34th fastest growing county in the U.S. I am the person who has sat down with Sen. Cochran and his staff." McCullough said the future Interstate 22 needs to be completed in parts of Alabama to fully operate as an interstate system. He said the region's airports and other infrastructure are important to the county's future. "The second busiest private airport in the state is in Olive Branch," McCullough noted. McCullough said as a former mayor, city council member and business leader, he knows how to work with various levels of government to build on that investment.
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis said his tenure of service as a mayor for 11 years and a state legislator for seven years has proved his leadership abilities. Davis served as a state legislator from Southaven from 1991-97. "When we were down there, we were the Right to Life authors," Davis said, adding lawmakers were among the first in the nation to outlaw partial birth abortion. "I'm a firm believer in the sanctity of life," Davis, father of three young daughters. Davis said if elected to Congress he would bring the same type of efficiency in government that he has brought to City Hall. "We've been able to acquire enough renters at city hall to pay for our utilities," Davis said. "We've gone from spending 60 percent on bureaucrats to more than 60 percent on public safety." Davis said as mayor Southaven's crime index is far lower than neighboring Memphis. Davis said Memphis has a crime index of 18.5 while Southaven's crime index is at 1.7 for violent crime. That equates to 1.7 instances of violent crime per one thousand people. Davis said his city invested more than $10 million into Snowden Grove and has seen a return on that investment of nearly 100,000 visitors a year. "It was because we had a vision," Davis said.
Democrats in Desoto
Desoto Times - Democrats say it's their year - A packed house at the DeSoto County Courthouse listened as Democratic candidates vying for House and Senate seats outlined their plans to improve the economy and fix the nation's health care crisis. A half dozen Democratic candidates spoke before an estimated crowd of 200 people at one of the largest Democratic gatherings in recent history.
Travis Childers, 49, is seeking Roger Wicker's former First Congressional District House seat. "This is an important election - a seat that has only opened up twice in my lifetime," Childers said. A longtime Prentiss County Chancery Clerk, nursing home owner and realtor from Booneville, Childers touts his ties to the working people of Mississippi. Childers said he was just 16 when his father died in 1974. His mother worked two jobs to put food on the family's table. Childers went on to college while working full time to pay his way. The Ole Miss graduate now runs a 120-bed nursing home in Booneville. "I stand for the working class people," Childers said. "It's a tragedy that working class families don't have health care. This campaign is about jobs. It's about the economy."
Gloria Holland, speaking on behalf of her husband, longtime State Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, said Holland, chairman of the House, Public Health Committee, is committed to making health care affordable for all Mississippians. Holland formerly chaired the House Agricultural Committee. He initiated the state Children's health Insurance Program. "Steve Holland has stood for North Mississippi for the past 25 years," Gloria Holland, mayor of Plantersville, told the audience.
Lawyer Brian Neely, 47, of Tupelo is also in the running for the First Congressional District seat. "People are suffering and they are hurting," Neely said. The son of a physician, Neely said he knows about the need to improve health care. "I know what it's like to have an elderly parent, and have to decide between groceries and medicine. We are citizens of the richest country in the world. It's absolutely ridiculous." A disabled veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Neely said veterans need assistance. He promised "new ideas and new vision."
Marshall Coleman, also seeking the First Congressional seat, said he has been endorsed by James "Ken" Hurt who has withdrawn from the race. "Rural America is hurting," Coleman said. "There aren't a lot of jobs there. Everything has been stagnated by the economy." Coleman said he would push for a way to allow illegal immigrants to earn citizenship by paying taxes. They must learn English, Coleman said. "Jobs are the number one issue," Coleman said. "We need jobs before we need highways. Big business has overpowered us."
Travis Childers, 49, is seeking Roger Wicker's former First Congressional District House seat. "This is an important election - a seat that has only opened up twice in my lifetime," Childers said. A longtime Prentiss County Chancery Clerk, nursing home owner and realtor from Booneville, Childers touts his ties to the working people of Mississippi. Childers said he was just 16 when his father died in 1974. His mother worked two jobs to put food on the family's table. Childers went on to college while working full time to pay his way. The Ole Miss graduate now runs a 120-bed nursing home in Booneville. "I stand for the working class people," Childers said. "It's a tragedy that working class families don't have health care. This campaign is about jobs. It's about the economy."
Gloria Holland, speaking on behalf of her husband, longtime State Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, said Holland, chairman of the House, Public Health Committee, is committed to making health care affordable for all Mississippians. Holland formerly chaired the House Agricultural Committee. He initiated the state Children's health Insurance Program. "Steve Holland has stood for North Mississippi for the past 25 years," Gloria Holland, mayor of Plantersville, told the audience.
Lawyer Brian Neely, 47, of Tupelo is also in the running for the First Congressional District seat. "People are suffering and they are hurting," Neely said. The son of a physician, Neely said he knows about the need to improve health care. "I know what it's like to have an elderly parent, and have to decide between groceries and medicine. We are citizens of the richest country in the world. It's absolutely ridiculous." A disabled veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Neely said veterans need assistance. He promised "new ideas and new vision."
Marshall Coleman, also seeking the First Congressional seat, said he has been endorsed by James "Ken" Hurt who has withdrawn from the race. "Rural America is hurting," Coleman said. "There aren't a lot of jobs there. Everything has been stagnated by the economy." Coleman said he would push for a way to allow illegal immigrants to earn citizenship by paying taxes. They must learn English, Coleman said. "Jobs are the number one issue," Coleman said. "We need jobs before we need highways. Big business has overpowered us."
Brian Neely - Country Lawyer
Commercial Appeal - 'Country lawyer' pushes highways, schools, health; Ex-Marine seeks to replace Wicker in First District seat - Brian Neely is keying his Democratic Party primary race for the First District U.S. House seat on three main issues: Infrastructure improvements, educational reform and health care reform. He describes himself as a "country lawyer," practicing primarily in Lee and surrounding counties, but he formerly served as the appointed Lee County prosecuting attorney. Among his ideas to help First District residents, Neely has some ideas for DeSoto County in particular. "For example, I believe there should be a by-pass in DeSoto County to move the traffic from U.S. 78 over to Interstate 55 without all that congestion on Goodman Road," he said. "That would help commerce, but it would also save money for the through-traffic and it would cut down on the air pollution there." Similarly, he said it's ridiculous that people in Tupelo must rely on the two-lane Natchez Trace Parkway as their best route to the state capitol in Jackson. And he said leaders should work on getting a four-lane highway from Columbus to Birmingham. "Our leaders should do what they can to help our citizens, and we need someone who can also work with leaders in other states like Tennessee, Alabama and Arkansas," he said. But he said the experience with the VA pharmacy "shows me that we need prescription medical relief. "If the VA can negotiate for better prices on drugs, so could Medicare. It's obscene that we allow the system to keep punishing our elderly citizens on drugs when we could make life better for them. Neely said his campaign will be characterized mainly by networking -- door-to-door work by himself and his aides -- and through television and newspaper advertising. "I have 12 local chairmen in the 22 counties, but we're very well organized," he said.
2/22/08
1st Annual GD Campaign Bday Bash
You’re Invited!!! 1st Annual Greg Davis Campaign Birthday Bash - Live Music provided by Hillbilly County; Food; Face-painting and Fun for the Whole Family
Friday February 22nd
6:00 -7:30pm
Davis Campaign HQ - 310 Stateline RD, Southaven (Old Golden Corral Building)
Suggested Contribution: $50
Please RSVP to info@gregdavisforcongress.com or 662-996-1113
Friday February 22nd
6:00 -7:30pm
Davis Campaign HQ - 310 Stateline RD, Southaven (Old Golden Corral Building)
Suggested Contribution: $50
Please RSVP to info@gregdavisforcongress.com or 662-996-1113
Hurt for Coleman
Daily Journal - Hurt says he supports Coleman - Former Democratic congressional candidate Ken Hurt on Thursday announced his endorsement of fellow party hopeful Marshall Coleman. Hurt, who last week suspended his campaign for U.S. House 1st Congressional District, said he and Coleman agree on the major issues dominating the race. He also said the Calhoun City business owner truly cares about the people. Hurt, of Verona, also will provide free political consulting and strategic advice to the 49-year-old candidate. Coleman's campaign manager, Dameion Brown, said Hurt's support will give his boss a competitive edge in the race against three other Democrats and three Republicans.
2/21/08
Special Election April 22
We assume that all the candidates seeking this race during the regular election (March 11 Primary; November 4 General) will qualify for the special election, but we expect the Republicans and Democrats who do not win their party's nomination will drop out of the special after the primary. But maybe not, it could get interesting.
Clarion Ledger - Special election set for Wicker's old seat - A special election to fill the unexpired term of former U.S. Rep. and current U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker in Mississippi's First Congressional District has been set for April 22, according to a news release from Gov. Haley Barbour's office. In a Writ of Election filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State, Barbour said if a runoff is required, it would be held on May 13, 2008. He designated March 7, 2008, as the qualifying deadline for candidates in the special U.S. House election.
Commercial Dispatch - Barbour sets special election timetable
CQpolitics - Multiple Mississippi Election Dates Hard to Keep Straight
Clarion Ledger - Special election set for Wicker's old seat - A special election to fill the unexpired term of former U.S. Rep. and current U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker in Mississippi's First Congressional District has been set for April 22, according to a news release from Gov. Haley Barbour's office. In a Writ of Election filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State, Barbour said if a runoff is required, it would be held on May 13, 2008. He designated March 7, 2008, as the qualifying deadline for candidates in the special U.S. House election.
Commercial Dispatch - Barbour sets special election timetable
CQpolitics - Multiple Mississippi Election Dates Hard to Keep Straight
Trio for McCullough
Daily Journal - Trio endorses McCullough - Glenn McCullough Jr., a Republican candidate for 1st District Congress, was endorsed this week by three current and former Golden Triangle area officials - state Sen. Terry Brown and state Rep. Gary Chism of Columbus, and former West Point Mayor Kenny Dill.
2/20/08
Russell Release
RANDY RUSSELL BEGINS AIRING TELEVISION AND RADIO ADS
Oxford , MS –Republican and Candidate for Congress Randy Russell will begin an advertising campaign on television and radio.
“It is important that the voters of Northern Mississippi have a choice in representing them in Congress,” Dr. Russell said. “I not a career politician and I have never run for office before. I believe I am different kind of candidate.”
The ads focus on Dr. Russell’s real world experience as well as conservative activism. Russell has been a practicing physician in Mississippi for over 25 years. He and his wife, Amy, have been volunteer foster parents for more than 90 babies.
Both ads are available at www.randyrussellforcongress.com.
Oxford , MS –Republican and Candidate for Congress Randy Russell will begin an advertising campaign on television and radio.
“It is important that the voters of Northern Mississippi have a choice in representing them in Congress,” Dr. Russell said. “I not a career politician and I have never run for office before. I believe I am different kind of candidate.”
The ads focus on Dr. Russell’s real world experience as well as conservative activism. Russell has been a practicing physician in Mississippi for over 25 years. He and his wife, Amy, have been volunteer foster parents for more than 90 babies.
Both ads are available at www.randyrussellforcongress.com.
2/19/08
Scarier Than A Heart Attack
Steve Holland radio spot: "There is nothing scarier than a heart attack..." (HatTip: CottonMouth)
Questions of Economy
Daily Journal - Candidates split on tax cuts, have other ideas for economy - In response to a Daily Journal questionnaire, five of the eight candidates support extension of the tax cuts, which are scheduled to expire in 2010:
Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers, Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough Jr., Tupelo attorney Brian Neely and Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford.
Opposing future cuts are two Democrats – Calhoun City Alderman Marshall Coleman and consultant Ken Hurt, who has suspended his campaign. Both say the president’s plan has helped only the rich.
Steve Holland, also a Democrat, said he would support the cuts “only if it were connected to middle-class tax relief.”
These questions are answered by each of the candidates in the Daily Journal today:
Q: The nation is currently either in a recession or close to it. What is the role of Congress in improving the economy?
Q: How would you balance the need for fiscal restraint with seeking federal support for economic development needs in the 1st District?
Q:Do you support extension of the Bush tax cuts scheduled to expire in 2010? Why or why not?
Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers, Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough Jr., Tupelo attorney Brian Neely and Dr. Randy Russell of Oxford.
Opposing future cuts are two Democrats – Calhoun City Alderman Marshall Coleman and consultant Ken Hurt, who has suspended his campaign. Both say the president’s plan has helped only the rich.
Steve Holland, also a Democrat, said he would support the cuts “only if it were connected to middle-class tax relief.”
These questions are answered by each of the candidates in the Daily Journal today:
Q: The nation is currently either in a recession or close to it. What is the role of Congress in improving the economy?
Q: How would you balance the need for fiscal restraint with seeking federal support for economic development needs in the 1st District?
Q:Do you support extension of the Bush tax cuts scheduled to expire in 2010? Why or why not?
2/18/08
GOPtv
Two Republican candidates are going up on TV.
Glenn McCullough shoots hoops with his boys.
Greg Davis shows a picture book to his daughter.
Glenn McCullough shoots hoops with his boys.
Greg Davis shows a picture book to his daughter.
2/16/08
7 Endorse McCullough
Tupelo Mayor Ed Neelly, former Tupelo Mayor Larry Otis, state Sen. Alan Nunnelee, state Reps. Brian Aldridge and Jerry Turner and Tupelo Councilman Mike Bryan and Fulton Mayor Paul Walker have endorse Glenn McCullough. HatTip - Daily Journal - Campaign Notebook
Childers and Mama
2/14/08
GOP trio at Columbus-Lowndes Republican Women
Commercial Dispatch - Congressional candidates detail priorities to Republican women - The three Republican candidates for the 1st District Congressional seat vacated by Roger Wicker spoke Tuesday to a full audience at the Columbus-Lowndes Republican Women luncheon. Davis wants to “bury the death tax” and restrain spending, support the armed forces, protect the United States border, and supports the Second Amendment. McCullough said he wants to “champion our conservative values,” “bring better jobs,” “keep America safe,” “promote public education,” and “secure our energy future.” “I believe we got too much away from the founding principles of our country,” he added, noting he supports “limited government, not this over-arching government that tries to get into all our lives.”
Hurt Out
Daily Journal - Hurt suspends campaign for House District 1 - Democratic congressional candidate Ken Hurt announced Wednesday he's suspending his campaign but said he will still work to influence the race. Hurt, who faced four challengers in the Democratic bid for 1st District U.S. House Representatives, said poor health and a lucrative book deal prompted his decision. Because it's too late to remove his name from the March 11 election ballot, Hurt said he will participate in debates if they're organized. But he urged people not to vote for him. Instead, he'll endorse another Democratic candidate he agrees with. In discussing his book, the longtime political operative said, "I'm going to tell all on everybody." He declined to reveal the publisher, but said, "I've been offered a real sizable advance." In the meantime, the 71-year-old from Verona wants to rally statewide support for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
2/13/08
Commercial Appeal Profiles Greg Davis
Commercial Appeal - KNOW THE CANDIDATES Mayor touts legislative experience - Greg Davis
Thanks Jere
Thanks to Jere Nash for his shout-out.
He says, "Kudos go to Ann Ellis Simmons for maintaining websites for the first congressional district campaign and the third congressional district campaign. Both sites are great one-stop places to go to get information about the candidates and to readily access their websites. Check 'em out."
He says, "Kudos go to Ann Ellis Simmons for maintaining websites for the first congressional district campaign and the third congressional district campaign. Both sites are great one-stop places to go to get information about the candidates and to readily access their websites. Check 'em out."
2/12/08
Russell Bus Tour
RANDY RUSSELL BEGINS BUS TOUR
Oxford , MS – Today, Republican and Candidate for Congress Randy Russell announced he would be having a bus tour through the district from February 14 – 16.
“It is important to me to get out and meet actual voters,” Dr. Russell said. “We have been very encouraged by the overwhelming response to our campaign. I am not a career politician and the more people who see that I am the only conservative choice for North Mississippi , the greater chance we have of winning the Primary in March.”
Day One – February 14, 2008
Noon: Bus Door Kick Off from the Campaign Office - Oxford, MS
1:30PM: Pavilion in Water Valley. - Water Valley, MS
4PM: Town Park on Hwy 4 Pavilion - Senatobia, MS
Day Two – February 15, 2008
7:30AM: Whistle-Stop Restaurant - Byahlia, MS
11AM: County Courthouse - Ripley, MS
3:00PM: Corinth City Hall - Corinth, MS
5:45PM: New County Courthouse - Iuka, MS (Next to Wal-Mart)
Country Squire Restaurant - Iuka, MS
Day Three – February 16, 2008
6AM: Jimbo’s - New Albany, MS
10AM: Sale Barn - New Albany, MS
Noon: Harvey’s Restaurant - Tupelo, MS
2PM: Town Square - Houston, MS
4PM: Downtown Aberdeen - Aderdeen, MS
6:30PM: Holiday Inn Hwy. 82 and 45 - Columbus, MS
The District includes all of Northern Mississippi . The Republican Primary will be held on March 11, 2008.
For more information, please visit http://www.randyrussellforcongress.com.
Oxford , MS – Today, Republican and Candidate for Congress Randy Russell announced he would be having a bus tour through the district from February 14 – 16.
“It is important to me to get out and meet actual voters,” Dr. Russell said. “We have been very encouraged by the overwhelming response to our campaign. I am not a career politician and the more people who see that I am the only conservative choice for North Mississippi , the greater chance we have of winning the Primary in March.”
Day One – February 14, 2008
Noon: Bus Door Kick Off from the Campaign Office - Oxford, MS
1:30PM: Pavilion in Water Valley. - Water Valley, MS
4PM: Town Park on Hwy 4 Pavilion - Senatobia, MS
Day Two – February 15, 2008
7:30AM: Whistle-Stop Restaurant - Byahlia, MS
11AM: County Courthouse - Ripley, MS
3:00PM: Corinth City Hall - Corinth, MS
5:45PM: New County Courthouse - Iuka, MS (Next to Wal-Mart)
Country Squire Restaurant - Iuka, MS
Day Three – February 16, 2008
6AM: Jimbo’s - New Albany, MS
10AM: Sale Barn - New Albany, MS
Noon: Harvey’s Restaurant - Tupelo, MS
2PM: Town Square - Houston, MS
4PM: Downtown Aberdeen - Aderdeen, MS
6:30PM: Holiday Inn Hwy. 82 and 45 - Columbus, MS
The District includes all of Northern Mississippi . The Republican Primary will be held on March 11, 2008.
For more information, please visit http://www.randyrussellforcongress.com.
Russell - "servant leadership"
Commercial Dispatch - Opthalmologist wants to be ‘servant leader' in 1st District - A desire to work for the people with a “servant leadership attitude” drives an Oxford ophthalmologist, Dr. Randy Russell, in seeking the Republican nomination for the 1st District Congressional seat vacated by Roger Wicker.
“I want to fight for moral principles,” he told The Dispatch editorial board Thursday, noting he advocates a “traditional two-parent family,” and is “pro-life.”
A resident of Lafayette County, who also practices in Southaven, Russell and his wife, Amy, have a son and a daughter, who both attend the University of Mississippi.
Additionally, the Russells have been volunteer foster parents to more than 89 newborn babies, waiting for permanent placement.
“I'm the clear conservative choice,” he said. “We are social and economic conservatives.”
“I don't think we should withdraw troops without a specific strategy that secures gains made on the ground,” he said of the war in Iraq, suggesting publicizing timetables for withdrawal only “assists the enemy.”
Regarding the economic stimulus plan of Congress and President George W. Bush, he said the offered “direct tax rebates are going to be of short and limited effect.”
To make the cost of health care more affordable, Russell suggested “tax reforms and insurance reforms.”
“The Democrats want to take us toward a socialized system,” he said. “No one will be happy. We've got the greatest health care system in the world; we don't need to put government between physicians and their patients.”
And he emphasized a need to “transition younger workers to taxpayer owned retirement accounts,” in response to potential insolvency of the Social Security fund.
“The Social Security fund was devised by politicians who couldn't foresee Americans' life spans would increase,” he explained. “You can't predict what the future will hold, so everyone should own their own retirement account.”
“We need to be very careful about bringing home the bacon because everyone in the country wants to do that,” he added. “(We must) be very careful about building bridges to nowhere. Mississippi (should work to) be the best place in the country for private investment.”
“We've got the technological and material ability to stop people from coming across the border,” he said. “We just haven't had the political will. I want to be part of that process that makes it happen."
Defending the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution - which states, “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” - also is a high priority for Russell.
“It protects all other amendments,” he said of the Second Amendment, noting the U.S. needs a “strong military.”
“I want us to continue to have the strongest military power in the world,” he elaborated. “Democrats in Congress have tried to shackle our intelligence agencies. We will suffer more terrorist attacks I think can be prevented, if we let the intelligence agencies do their jobs.”
Russell, 54, concluded by characterizing himself as holding a “low tax, limited government philosophy.”
“I want to fight for moral principles,” he told The Dispatch editorial board Thursday, noting he advocates a “traditional two-parent family,” and is “pro-life.”
A resident of Lafayette County, who also practices in Southaven, Russell and his wife, Amy, have a son and a daughter, who both attend the University of Mississippi.
Additionally, the Russells have been volunteer foster parents to more than 89 newborn babies, waiting for permanent placement.
“I'm the clear conservative choice,” he said. “We are social and economic conservatives.”
“I don't think we should withdraw troops without a specific strategy that secures gains made on the ground,” he said of the war in Iraq, suggesting publicizing timetables for withdrawal only “assists the enemy.”
Regarding the economic stimulus plan of Congress and President George W. Bush, he said the offered “direct tax rebates are going to be of short and limited effect.”
To make the cost of health care more affordable, Russell suggested “tax reforms and insurance reforms.”
“The Democrats want to take us toward a socialized system,” he said. “No one will be happy. We've got the greatest health care system in the world; we don't need to put government between physicians and their patients.”
And he emphasized a need to “transition younger workers to taxpayer owned retirement accounts,” in response to potential insolvency of the Social Security fund.
“The Social Security fund was devised by politicians who couldn't foresee Americans' life spans would increase,” he explained. “You can't predict what the future will hold, so everyone should own their own retirement account.”
“We need to be very careful about bringing home the bacon because everyone in the country wants to do that,” he added. “(We must) be very careful about building bridges to nowhere. Mississippi (should work to) be the best place in the country for private investment.”
“We've got the technological and material ability to stop people from coming across the border,” he said. “We just haven't had the political will. I want to be part of that process that makes it happen."
Defending the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution - which states, “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” - also is a high priority for Russell.
“It protects all other amendments,” he said of the Second Amendment, noting the U.S. needs a “strong military.”
“I want us to continue to have the strongest military power in the world,” he elaborated. “Democrats in Congress have tried to shackle our intelligence agencies. We will suffer more terrorist attacks I think can be prevented, if we let the intelligence agencies do their jobs.”
Russell, 54, concluded by characterizing himself as holding a “low tax, limited government philosophy.”
Holland Campaign Email
Our Campaign for Congress is gaining momentum. Let me give you an update. Northeast Mississippi Friends gave us a successful fundraiser Friday night at the Park Heights Restaurant in Tupelo. We're actively raising money and looking ahead to our media campaign. A lot of scientific research on other candidates, issues and various matters is being conducted. Our radio spots are on the air.
During the past week I was given the Mississippi Chapter of the American Lung Association Award for my legislative support of research regarding asthma. Did you know that asthma is the biggest reason for children missing school? Neither did I until I became involved with the efforts to develop a comprehensive education program dealing with youngsters as well as adults who suffer from asthma.
I have engaged former Rep. Bill Miles of Fulton to be my campaign manager. Not only did Bill and I serve in the Mississippi House of Representatives together, we both have relationships going back to the late Congressman Jamie L. Whitten. You may recall that I started my career working with Congressman Whitten in Washington. His enviable record of service is a record no one is likely to break for some time. He served more than 50 years. His efforts meant better health care, highways, housing and a higher quality of life. That's what I want to do as our Congressman.
Don't forget that the election is March 11. This unusual election is like playing ball games. The most important game is the next one. The most important election is March 11. The winner of the March 11 primary will advance to the General Election in November. Soon, Gov. Barbour will announce the date for the Special Election. That will determine who serves for the rest of 2008. In November the winner will serve the two-year term.
Be sure to watch our Web Page and keep up with what our campaign is doing. We welcome volunteers and otters who are interested in government for the people. Please feel free to forward this to your friends and family. Best wishes, I remain
Your friend,
Steve Holland
During the past week I was given the Mississippi Chapter of the American Lung Association Award for my legislative support of research regarding asthma. Did you know that asthma is the biggest reason for children missing school? Neither did I until I became involved with the efforts to develop a comprehensive education program dealing with youngsters as well as adults who suffer from asthma.
I have engaged former Rep. Bill Miles of Fulton to be my campaign manager. Not only did Bill and I serve in the Mississippi House of Representatives together, we both have relationships going back to the late Congressman Jamie L. Whitten. You may recall that I started my career working with Congressman Whitten in Washington. His enviable record of service is a record no one is likely to break for some time. He served more than 50 years. His efforts meant better health care, highways, housing and a higher quality of life. That's what I want to do as our Congressman.
Don't forget that the election is March 11. This unusual election is like playing ball games. The most important game is the next one. The most important election is March 11. The winner of the March 11 primary will advance to the General Election in November. Soon, Gov. Barbour will announce the date for the Special Election. That will determine who serves for the rest of 2008. In November the winner will serve the two-year term.
Be sure to watch our Web Page and keep up with what our campaign is doing. We welcome volunteers and otters who are interested in government for the people. Please feel free to forward this to your friends and family. Best wishes, I remain
Your friend,
Steve Holland
2/11/08
Polls
1) From a reader's email:
A Public Opinion Strategies (R) poll; conducted 1/16-17 for Southaven Mayor Greg Davis (R); surveyed 300 GOP LVs; margin of error +/- 6% (McArdle, Roll Call, 2/5). Tested: Davis, Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough (R) and ophthalmologist Randy Russell (R). Primary Election Matchup
G. Davis 36%
G. McCullough 22
R. Russell 1
Source: House Race Hotline
2) From MisterTurnbow:
I saw a GOP internal poll over the weekend that was taken for the special congressional election in north Mississippi. There wasnt anything all that surprising in it. Greg Davis had a 45-40 lead over former TVA Chief Glenn McCullough in the GOP primary. They didnt survey the democrats but I would assume that State Rep Steve Holland will win that race. The general election match ups showed that Davis and McCullough would both defeat Holland but McCulloughs lead was only eight points while Davis was up by twelve over Holland.
A Public Opinion Strategies (R) poll; conducted 1/16-17 for Southaven Mayor Greg Davis (R); surveyed 300 GOP LVs; margin of error +/- 6% (McArdle, Roll Call, 2/5). Tested: Davis, Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough (R) and ophthalmologist Randy Russell (R). Primary Election Matchup
G. Davis 36%
G. McCullough 22
R. Russell 1
Source: House Race Hotline
2) From MisterTurnbow:
I saw a GOP internal poll over the weekend that was taken for the special congressional election in north Mississippi. There wasnt anything all that surprising in it. Greg Davis had a 45-40 lead over former TVA Chief Glenn McCullough in the GOP primary. They didnt survey the democrats but I would assume that State Rep Steve Holland will win that race. The general election match ups showed that Davis and McCullough would both defeat Holland but McCulloughs lead was only eight points while Davis was up by twelve over Holland.
Starving the Beast
Here is an excerpt from Steve Holland's post over at CottonMouth:
Later, and in the immediate aftermath of Katrina, I was in a session of the House and we were visited by numerous representatives from the coast, almost all of them begging for help from the state government. A number of these folks were Republican in orientation and had for years supported a political philosophy of "starving the beast," of cutting government services. After listening to the pleas for help, I could no longer hold my tongue and I told them in as polite a way as I could that you could not starve the beast, and then when you need help expect the government to be able to function.
During the medicaid crisis, he was told by his doctor that he was going to cut off his chemotherapy. Let that sink in for just a moment. In these the United States of America, a mentally retarded man was gong to, in effect, be sentenced to death because, in effect, he was powerless, poor and mentally retarded. At that moment, in a fit of anger, I called the doctor's office and let it be known that this was not going to be happening. And if it did, there would be some kind of consequences. His chemo was not stopped.
I tell you these stories to point out the fact that there is a place for proper government intervention in society. That politics HAS consequences.
For 25 years now, the Republicans have attacked the government; they have starved the beast. As a result, we have a degrading infrastructure and the middle class has been losing out. And it has to stop. Sadly, the previous office holder of the First Congressional Seat has been part and parcel to this political philosophy.
It is worth remembering that for decades, the First Congressional Seat was held by Jamie Whitten. Jamie Whitten didn't try to starve the beast. He knew that there was a proper place for government and he believed in constituent service, making sure that the folks back home had a voice in Washington and that their needs were taken care of as much as possible.
That is what is shaping up in this election, the differing philosophies between the political parties. Because elections have consequences.
(Meanwhile Will Bardwell posts on the Anti-Holland, J. Everett Dutschke Flies Again: TellTupelo.com - where Bardwell says Dutschke "is back at work doing what he does best -- hassling his arch-nemesis, state Rep. Steve Holland. Dutschke (a karate black belt!) has countered Holland's congressional campaign Web site, SteveHollandForCongress.com, by purchasing SteveHollandForCongress.net -- which leads to TellTupelo.com, an anti-Holland Web site in which Dutchke slams his rival for his stances on virtually every major issue.")
Later, and in the immediate aftermath of Katrina, I was in a session of the House and we were visited by numerous representatives from the coast, almost all of them begging for help from the state government. A number of these folks were Republican in orientation and had for years supported a political philosophy of "starving the beast," of cutting government services. After listening to the pleas for help, I could no longer hold my tongue and I told them in as polite a way as I could that you could not starve the beast, and then when you need help expect the government to be able to function.
During the medicaid crisis, he was told by his doctor that he was going to cut off his chemotherapy. Let that sink in for just a moment. In these the United States of America, a mentally retarded man was gong to, in effect, be sentenced to death because, in effect, he was powerless, poor and mentally retarded. At that moment, in a fit of anger, I called the doctor's office and let it be known that this was not going to be happening. And if it did, there would be some kind of consequences. His chemo was not stopped.
I tell you these stories to point out the fact that there is a place for proper government intervention in society. That politics HAS consequences.
For 25 years now, the Republicans have attacked the government; they have starved the beast. As a result, we have a degrading infrastructure and the middle class has been losing out. And it has to stop. Sadly, the previous office holder of the First Congressional Seat has been part and parcel to this political philosophy.
It is worth remembering that for decades, the First Congressional Seat was held by Jamie Whitten. Jamie Whitten didn't try to starve the beast. He knew that there was a proper place for government and he believed in constituent service, making sure that the folks back home had a voice in Washington and that their needs were taken care of as much as possible.
That is what is shaping up in this election, the differing philosophies between the political parties. Because elections have consequences.
(Meanwhile Will Bardwell posts on the Anti-Holland, J. Everett Dutschke Flies Again: TellTupelo.com - where Bardwell says Dutschke "is back at work doing what he does best -- hassling his arch-nemesis, state Rep. Steve Holland. Dutschke (a karate black belt!) has countered Holland's congressional campaign Web site, SteveHollandForCongress.com, by purchasing SteveHollandForCongress.net -- which leads to TellTupelo.com, an anti-Holland Web site in which Dutchke slams his rival for his stances on virtually every major issue.")
Daily Journal Q&A
Daily Journal - 1st District hopefuls focus on economy - The candidates made their priorities known in response to a Daily Journal pre-election questionnaire. The four-part questionnaire will appear in the Daily Journal starting today on Page 6A and continuing over the next three Mondays. Today's installment covers background, priorities and philosophy.
These questions are answered by each of the candidates in the Daily Journal today:
Q: What relevant experience, background and personal characteristics equip you to be an effective congressman for the 1st District?
Q: What would be your top three priorities as 1st District congressman?
Q: How would you describe your political philosophy?
These questions are answered by each of the candidates in the Daily Journal today:
Q: What relevant experience, background and personal characteristics equip you to be an effective congressman for the 1st District?
Q: What would be your top three priorities as 1st District congressman?
Q: How would you describe your political philosophy?
News
Chancery Clerk wants to move up to Congress
Steve Holland has hired former Rep. Bill Miles of Fulton as his campaign manager.
Steve Holland has hired former Rep. Bill Miles of Fulton as his campaign manager.
2/7/08
McCullough, Neely, Holland
The Panolian - Eight seeking seat vacated by Wicker - Republican Glenn McCullough of Tupelo visited last Tuesday, following a Monday night visit by fellow Republican Greg Davis of Southaven. McCullough is a former mayor of Tupelo. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the only Mississippian to have served as TVA chairman. He is also a former member of the Appalachian Regional Council. McCullough said that he supports better jobs like those which will be afforded by the General Electric facility under construction in Batesville and also support for existing employers like Batesville Casket Company. The candidate for representative said that voters’ concerns in Mississippi’s First Congressional District include safety and security. “As a local mayor, I’ve had to make sure our schools are secure,” he said. McCullough said that his career also made him aware of the need for security in the nuclear energy industry. “I believe we have to win the war for freedom,” McCullough continued; “help Iraq and Afghanistan secure their freedom.” Regarding illegal aliens, McCullough said, “we ought to stop it, secure our borders, identify the people here illegally and deal with them according to law. “Locally and regionally, I’ve solved problems,” the candidate for First District representative said.
Webster Progress Times - Neely's agenda includes infrastructure, education - Infrastructure, education and safe communities are key issues of congressional candidate Brian Neely. The Tupelo attorney is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 1st District Congressional seat vacated by Roger Wicker. He spoke Jan. 22 to a gathering at Liberty United Methodist Church in Eupora. Neely stressed the importance of having the proper infrastructure to attract new job opportunities. He noted that the Natchez Trace is the most direct route from here to Tupelo, but that commercial traffic cannot use it. "Your representative is supposed to make sure you have the infrastructure (needed) in your vicinity," he said. "It's wrong you don't have (interstate) highways. Good leadership will get you highways." Neely said another priority would be making sure all high school students graduate with a diploma, not simply a certificate of completion. "It's crazy to send a child through school for 12 years and they don't have the basic skills (they were promised to compete)," he said. At the federal level, the candidate said he wants to see tax rebates for minorities and small businesses. "We need to put more of our resources into helping people start their own businesses and be successful," Neely said. Neely is a former county attorney for Lee County and a former Marine Corps captain. He is the great-great-grandson of the late Rev. James Henry and Mattie Quinn Windrick of Walthall.
Daily Journal - Campaign Notebook - State Rep. Steve Holland, who's running for the 1st District U.S. House seat vacated when Roger Wicker was appointed U.S. senator, visited a civics class at Plantersville Middle School to talk about Wednesday's Mississippi House passage of full school funding. "We not only fully funded the formula (for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program), we did it plus $65 million over," said Holland, a longtime supporter of public education. "Two billion is what it takes, but in House Bill 513, we increased that to $2.308 billion."
Webster Progress Times - Neely's agenda includes infrastructure, education - Infrastructure, education and safe communities are key issues of congressional candidate Brian Neely. The Tupelo attorney is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 1st District Congressional seat vacated by Roger Wicker. He spoke Jan. 22 to a gathering at Liberty United Methodist Church in Eupora. Neely stressed the importance of having the proper infrastructure to attract new job opportunities. He noted that the Natchez Trace is the most direct route from here to Tupelo, but that commercial traffic cannot use it. "Your representative is supposed to make sure you have the infrastructure (needed) in your vicinity," he said. "It's wrong you don't have (interstate) highways. Good leadership will get you highways." Neely said another priority would be making sure all high school students graduate with a diploma, not simply a certificate of completion. "It's crazy to send a child through school for 12 years and they don't have the basic skills (they were promised to compete)," he said. At the federal level, the candidate said he wants to see tax rebates for minorities and small businesses. "We need to put more of our resources into helping people start their own businesses and be successful," Neely said. Neely is a former county attorney for Lee County and a former Marine Corps captain. He is the great-great-grandson of the late Rev. James Henry and Mattie Quinn Windrick of Walthall.
Daily Journal - Campaign Notebook - State Rep. Steve Holland, who's running for the 1st District U.S. House seat vacated when Roger Wicker was appointed U.S. senator, visited a civics class at Plantersville Middle School to talk about Wednesday's Mississippi House passage of full school funding. "We not only fully funded the formula (for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program), we did it plus $65 million over," said Holland, a longtime supporter of public education. "Two billion is what it takes, but in House Bill 513, we increased that to $2.308 billion."
2/6/08
Russell claims conservative mantle
Daily Journal - Oxford candidate touts ‘clear conservative choice’ - People are often surprised to hear that a physician is running for Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District seat. After all, Dr. Randy Russell’s ophthalmology practices in Oxford and Southaven, his civic involvement and his family keep him busy already. “I want to fight for the founding principles of our country. It has to do with free enterprise, limited government, strong defense against our enemies, and the traditional married, two-parent family.” Russell, a Republican, acknowledges he’s the least-known of the three Republican candidates for the seat formerly held by Sen. Roger Wicker, but says he is “The Clear Conservative Choice” in the race. His campaign literature emphasizes he is “pro-life, pro-family, pro-adoption,” values he and his wife, Amy, have supported by rearing their own two now-grown children and by serving as foster parents to 90 newborn children, the most recent of which arrived Friday. Russell said he believes useful federal projects are part of the common good of the nation, and he would compete to bring as many as possible to the 1st District. “Things that are going to be built, that are essential, you fight for those things,” he said. “The congressman is supposed to be an assistant, a helper, in all that.”
2/1/08
DJournal Update
Tupelo Daily Journal:
McCullough to have open house at headquarters - Glenn McCullough Jr will host a campaign headquarters open house from 4-6 p.m. today. The public is invited. The office is at 850 N. Gloster St., Tupelo, between The Summit and the Chevron station.
Childers talks economy at Justice Center - Travis Childers brought his campaign message of federal fiscal responsibility to a Thursday media event at the Lee County Justice Center. "How can this administration look America in the eye and say we're going to cut your taxes and pay for this war?" he asked. "We're just running up the credit card." He blamed many of Northeast Mississippi's job losses on the North American Free Trade Act, saying regional businesses "deserve fair trade deals."
McCullough to have open house at headquarters - Glenn McCullough Jr will host a campaign headquarters open house from 4-6 p.m. today. The public is invited. The office is at 850 N. Gloster St., Tupelo, between The Summit and the Chevron station.
Childers talks economy at Justice Center - Travis Childers brought his campaign message of federal fiscal responsibility to a Thursday media event at the Lee County Justice Center. "How can this administration look America in the eye and say we're going to cut your taxes and pay for this war?" he asked. "We're just running up the credit card." He blamed many of Northeast Mississippi's job losses on the North American Free Trade Act, saying regional businesses "deserve fair trade deals."
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