Jackson Free Press

I am joining moderator Sid Salter, Rankin Ledger reporter Josh Cogswell, Stennis Institute director Marty Wiseman and MSU student Lori Ann Holland Monday night for a two-hour debate of the 3rd District congressional candidates Monday night in Rankin County. The debate will be Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and broadcast live on the WAPT Web site. Now, though, I would love help with questions; I need about 10, and I would love to hear what readers would like asked. So bring it on!

Previous Commentsshow

Bump. Bring 'em on!

DonnaLadd

Feb 14 2008

We now know that John McCain will be the Presidential candidate for the Republican Party, and either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama will be the Democratic candidate. All three have eschewed anti-immigrant rhetoric and have proposals which allow undocumented alien workers in the US to obtain a workers' visa and stay here legally. Do you all agree that there is no point to running on a "deport them all" platform if there is no chance that the new President will enforce such a plan?

GenShermansGhost

Feb 14 2008

If your view is that immigration is "stealing jobs that belong to Americans," do you also think that allowing corporations to outsource jobs overseas should be discouraged? What can Congress do to provide incentives for businesses to stay in Mississippi and penalties for those that leave?

GenShermansGhost

Feb 14 2008

Looking back at the recent court battles with the Attorney General and the Governor about the scheduling date for this election (March or November), how does the decision of the MS Supreme Court impact your campaign?

justjess

Feb 14 2008

Given the disparities in the quality of education delivered in public school districts in the state and the importance of education in the ongoing quest for better economic development, are you willing to address the issue of education as a civil/constitutional right, given the need to provide better educational opportunities for more people in order to help facilitate economic growth throughout the state?

Renaldo Bryant

Feb 14 2008

Will your candidacy help in any way improve or erase the image of Mississippi as a backward place that can't seem to leave or move beyond its inglorious past as the most incorrigibly or obstinately racist state in the union? I'm not saying the imgage does now or ever perfectly reflected the truth, but I know from experience many people around the country and world still think this at the mention of the name Mississippi?

Ray Carter

Feb 14 2008

"Boxers or briefs?"

Tom Head

Feb 14 2008

are you gonna keep them out of our community so that we can be safe??

skipp

Feb 14 2008

What part of MS does the 3rd district include?

LatashaWillis

Feb 14 2008

Let me clarify: that is not my question for the candidates. :-P

LatashaWillis

Feb 14 2008

The retiring Congressman in your district was the sponsor of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. At the time it was viewed as a bill highly beneficial to WorldCom. Given the abuses spawned by that legislation, would you support modifications to some of its most damaging policies? Given the deteriorating financial condition of the Federal Government, do think the Government's give-away of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum to the TelComs was wise? Would you support a bid to buy the EM spectrum back and offer it for recurring leases as way to reduce the tax burden on American citizens? ***************** Why has the Federal Government delegated the power to create money to private individuals and corporations? Shouldn't the benefits from the power to create money be shared by all citizens? If not, why? Our system of money creation actually creates debt rather than money. Wouldn't it make more sense for the Government to create money without creating debt? If not, why? The current process of money creation in the United States creates an ever increasing debt that can never be redeemed. Do you support this policy? If so, how will our society avoid bankruptcy? Our society creates debt and uses it as money rather than using "actual money." Therefore, it is obvious that the elimination of that debt would eliminate the money/debt on which our economy rests. Do you know of any way to eliminate the national debt? Some wish to return the United States to the gold standard. Do you support that suggestion? If so, how much gold would the United States need to provide a secure base more the currency? Do we have that much gold? If not, what will we use to pay for the necessary gold? Wouldn't those who own gold mines have a supreme advantage over the rest of us? Are most gold mines located in Russia and South Africa? Wouldn't a return to the gold standard give a great strategic boost to Russia? ***************** Do you think the current military strategy adopted by General Petraeus. of paying the Sunni enemy combatants not to shoot at American soldiers is wise? Do you think the concurrent supplying of weapons and ammunition to those same enemy combatants is wise? Do you support the years-long effort by the White House to supplant Sunnis from power and replace them with the more numerous Iranian Shi'i? How will the military meet its commitments without resorting to a draft? Do you support a return to the draft? Has the current Administration made wise use of the National Guard and Reserve? Do you support the creation of a highly paid American mercenary auxiliary military force in Iraqi? ***************** In comparing current Federal funding levels for each of the following categories, at what funding level will you champion future government policy? Greatly Moderately About Moderately Greatly Increased Increased Right Decreased Decreased ------------------------------------------------------------- +2 +1 0 -1 -2 Education: College Secondary Primary Infrastructure: Roads Sewage Water Electricity Communications Rural, City, and State buildings Health Care Justice Issues Etc. ***************** I'm sorry I sent so many questions. Tommy

Tommy

Feb 15 2008

Who thinks David Landrum's TV ad is a little suspect? He throws up a picture of Charlie Rangel(black Democrat) and does not even mention who he is. I got an odd feeling watching that commercial. And he ended with "Mississippi values".

Goldenae

Feb 15 2008

When I saw that commercial Goldenae I said some of these backward-ass southerner will never grow up or learn anything. I would vote for David Duke as quick as I would vote for him.

Ray Carter

Feb 15 2008

I saw that commercial as well Goldenae. I think the earlier question about the image of the state should be definately be aimed at him. When will the power brokers (good ol' boys) in the state learn that holding on to old, out dated and morally bankrupt notions of "the other" is what is really taking away from the development of the state, not just economically, but socially and politically as well. He actually characterises northen democrats as "yankee". What is this, the Beverly Hilbillies? If these are MS values, then I see why the more progressive minded people are leaving the state in droves. Also, he never even mentions who he is actually running against. There isn't a thing he's gonna be able to do about Hillary Clinton (Senator from NY) or Charlie Rangel (Rep. from NY). He needs to focus on why he would be a better candidate than his opponents here in MS. When will it end?

Renaldo Bryant

Feb 15 2008

When will the power brokers (good ol' boys) in the state learn that holding on to old, out dated and morally bankrupt notions of "the other" is what is really taking away from the development of the state, not just economically, but socially and politically as well. When voters stop rewarding them for it. And that includes the ones who stay at home and, thus, vote for them by default.

DonnaLadd

Feb 15 2008

Laws within the 50 states are oftentimes different from state-to-state. This is is true with regard to the rights of victims of childhood sexual abuse. Do you think this is bad public policy and it further victimizes people whose lives have already been dramatically affected by such a traumatic event in their lives? If so, would you focus on changing certain laws, like the statute of limitations, in every state so that no matter where someone is from, they are able to avail themselves of the legal system to seek justice and accountability?

Truthseeker

Feb 15 2008

Also, he never even mentions who he is actually running against. There isn't a thing he's gonna be able to do about Hillary Clinton (Senator from NY) or Charlie Rangel (Rep. from NY). He needs to focus on why he would be a better candidate than his opponents here in MS. That's the "beauty" of political parties. One doesn't have to appeal to intellect or discuss issues to get elected, just identify with one party and run commercials about how the other party is too liberal/conservative and the partisan sheeple will get behind you without question.

Jeff Lucas

Feb 16 2008

Donna, I don't know how you feel about the response that you have gotten. I am disappointed. We have a chance to ask questions and direct those questions directly to one of panalist and there seems, to me, to be a lack of interest. I'm I looking at this all wrong? Since you didn't get alot of response, I hope you will use the question that I sent you!!

Truthseeker

Feb 18 2008

I agree. I limited myself to one topic, because I wanted other folks to have their say. I can certainly think of other questions, though.

GenShermansGhost

Feb 18 2008

Bring 'em on! I'll be making my list mid-afternoon, so everyone still has time.

DonnaLadd

Feb 18 2008

Several studies indicate that Mississippi has a higher than average number of people without medical insurance. Do you support federal action to provide health coverage to uninsured Mississippians? In what form? http://covertheuninsured.org/states/?StateID=MS http://www.cbpp.org/8-29-06health.htm

GenShermansGhost

Feb 18 2008

Whatever anyone thinks about whether there was justification for the U.S. to invade Iraq, a vast majority of Americans are of the opinion that our mission there is now over. The Congress has attempted several times to require the President to withdraw our troops, but to no avail. Is it time to cut funding for the Iraq invasion? Is that the only way to force the President to bring the troops home?

GenShermansGhost

Feb 18 2008

Last week, two African-American Mississippians were released from custody, after having been on death row for over a decade for crimes that they did not commit. Only the intervention of the Inocence Project and new DNA testing made that possible. Is it time for a moratorium on capital punishment?

GenShermansGhost

Feb 18 2008

Almost all of you have made stopping illegal immigration part of your campaign platform. Do you agree that jobs in Mississippi and all over the US are also lost as a result of corporations "outsourcing" jobs overseas? Should federal law penalize American companies who do this?

GenShermansGhost

Feb 18 2008

We now know that the same internet gun dealer in Wisconsin sold merchandise to two different mentally ill men in interstate commerce, who used the purchases to shoot and kill innocent people at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University. Doesn't this tell us that there's a dangerous loophole in our federal gun laws? Does your view of the Second Amendment allow the federal government to prohibit the interstate sale of guns or ammunition to mentally ill persons?

GenShermansGhost

Feb 18 2008

Both conservative and liberal Political Action Committees give funds to candidates without the voters knowing who is really donating the money. The same groups can put on commercials themselves, again without anyone knowing who is really contributing to the candidate's message. Two questions: 1. Would you support a change in federal law -- and to the Constitution if necessary -- to ensure that voters know exactly who is contributing to political candidates and commercials? 2. In YOUR campaign, will you disclose who is supporting you with funds or commercials, even if they are otherwise not disclosed under the law?

GenShermansGhost

Feb 18 2008

Ok, this is the last one, I promise: I'm sure each of you has studied the geographic boundaries of this Congressional District. They make no sense whatsoever, except for political gerrymadering purposes. Would you support a change in law that would require the states to create geographically compact congressional districts, to the extent that can be done without diluting minority voting rights?

GenShermansGhost

Feb 18 2008

Not a question but to answer GenShermansGhost. Federal law already prohibits the sale of guns to mentally ill people. If you order a gun over the internet it has to ship to a licensed dealer and they do a background check before you can take possession of the gun. What the problem is mental health problems are not reported to the state or federal gov. so it does not show up on background checks, not being able to buy a gun over the internet because you still go through the same check as you would if you bought it from a local dealer. You can buy ammo over the internet and have it shipped to your house with only a copy of your drivers licnese.

BubbaT

Feb 18 2008

Donna, in my opinion you blew it, your first question of the night was to Charlie Ross. In his opening statement he went on about being responsible for 'Jessica's law' here in Mississippi and being the 'king of tort reform' also. My question would have put those two issues in direct conflict! He and many other Conservatives are really pushing on the emotional issue of child abuse from a criminal standpoint. But, when it comes to civil action taken by survivors, tort reform and raining in trial lawyers, wins the day for his type......... Why did you not ask my question?

Truthseeker

Feb 19 2008

Honestly, I forgot about it. I'm a loser. ;-) However, I'd love to hear responses here to any of the answers, and then we can incorporate them in a story in the paper.

DonnaLadd

Feb 19 2008

Donna, can you say more about how the debate went? I missed it since I was out of town. I can't believe that I couldn't think of anything to ask.

LatashaWillis

Feb 19 2008

I got e-mails all morning along the lines of "must have been a great debate!" and "glad to see you're so excited about democracy in action" -- and these from friends of mine. It appears that the Clarion-Ledger caught visual proof of my personal enthusiasm as experienced at the Rankin County debate last night. This is how the debate went: [img]http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/images/uploads/todd_debate.jpg[/img] Donna, of course, did a great job, although the way the evening went, she ended up asking three questions each of the same three candidates. Her questions for Charlie Ross were good and, while I think I'm probably hard-pressed to agree with him, he was probably the most articulate of all the debaters. That being said, it's a low bar. I'm of the opinion that only three of the six men on stage last night could probably tie his shoes and chew gum at the same time.

Todd Stauffer

Feb 19 2008

Yes, my favorite comment of the evening was Broadwater answering Wiseman's pre-kindergarten question by saying that kids would learn too much about homosexuality in kindergarten. "The best possible place for them to be is at home with their mama," he declared.

DonnaLadd

Feb 19 2008

Charlie Ross came across as one of the more intelligent, certainly, along with Rousaville and Gill. I wish I could have asked Rousaville questions, but I had a good chat with him and his wife afterward. Ross and I also had a great chat afterward. I was explaining Pickering's support last week of net neutrality legislation, which he didn't know anything about when I asked about it during the debate. (Wish I could have put that one to Rounsaville.) Also, Ross' answer to my question on telco immunity was wholly unsatisfying—basically that we should forgive and forget the actions of the telcos for handing over personal information because we're at war. (For freedom, perhaps?) He said very kind things about the JFP and Adam when we talked afterward. He likes to read the paper, he said, and complimented our writing. He said that Adam interviewed him several times for his JFP interview, and then was totally fair by publishing everything he said (which other media don't usually do; they cherrypick). His answer to my question about young voters was kinda refreshing, at least when he admitted that his own kids often don't agree with him. I liked him better last night than I have in the past, but don't look for us to endorse him. His tort-reforms views alone would block us from doing that. And they all (except Gill, I think) passed along myths about immigration, which I talk about in my editor's note this week. We didn't do follow-ups, so it was hard to get much past the horse-race dynamic in this format. They were all (except Gill) trying to out-conservative each other and play dumb (some weren't playing; some were) to 3rd District voters, whom they apparently think are stupid. Or maybe they just want the stupid ones to turn out. It's a sad commentary, really.

DonnaLadd

Feb 19 2008

Todd rocks! Maybe the candidates would've gotten your attention if they would've said, "THEY'RE TAKING OUR JOBS!"

golden eagle

Feb 19 2008

Oh, they did, golden. They did. The iTodd does look handsome, eh?

DonnaLadd

Feb 19 2008

The photo headline should be: "Caught in Pearl." Tee, hee. Maybe the Ledger is trying to make good with us. Sid invited me to participate, and they run such a handsome picture of Todd. What next? I got it: Maybe they will will finally return all our boxes they stole, er, "cleaned up" without our permission.

DonnaLadd

Feb 19 2008