Jackson Free Press

JACKSON — U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper, who just learned that he will help oversee federal elections, says the Hillary Clinton and Jill Stein campaigns are using vote recounts to portray the presidential election results as less than legitimate.

"It's obviously an unsuccessful effort. Trump has been duly elected and won states that I'll have to say that a month out I didn't think he'd win those three states," Harper told the Stennis Capitol Press Forum in Jackson on Nov. 28.

While Trump surprised many Republicans by winning a projection of 306 electoral college votes, Clinton is currently leading the popular vote by more than 2.5 million.

Harper praised Vice President-elect Mike Pence of Indiana as one of the best choices Trump could have made for a running mate. Harper said Pence was his "bellcap" to make sure he voted the right way during his first few years in the House.

Harper, who represents parts of Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties in the U.S. House of Representatives, also announced that he is about to take on more responsibilities in Congress. House Speaker Paul Ryan named Harper chairman of the House Administration Committee, which oversees several aspects of House operations as well as federal elections.

The Pearl resident told reporters at the luncheon that he is excited to serve with a Republican administration in the White House. Harper's first term began in 2009, so he has only served under President Barack Obama.

Harper discussed some of Trump's possible cabinet picks on Monday, and said Gen. David Petraeus is his favorite choice for the next secretary of state.

"I would do cartwheels if he picked General Petraeus, who probably has the best foreign-policy knowledge of anyone he could consider," Harper said. "I understand he comes with a little bit of baggage from what happened with his personal life, but I will say that when you talk about the ability to go and not have to be brought up to speed, General Petraeus is pretty exceptional."

Petraeus, former director of the CIA, was forced to resign in 2012 after leaked emails led to an FBI investigation of his and his biographer's personal relationship, in which he gave her classified information. Petraeus pled guilty to mishandling classified materials in 2015 and is still on probation.

Mississippi manufacturing might have a lot to gain with Trump in the White House, Harper said, particularly with the announcement that Raytheon will locate its Air Training Center in Meridian, Miss., if the U.S. Air Force approves the plan.

"Every one of those (T-100 planes) will be built in Meridian, Mississippi," Harper said. "That's an incredible opportunity for us and one that we're hopeful of."

Harper echoed what Trump has said publicly about Obamacare, stating that he supports parts of it, such as requiring companies to ensure those with pre-existing illness and the ability for kids to stay on their parents' insurance plans until they are 26 years old.

"Republicans realize that you cannot just say 'Hey, we're repealing it, and next Friday there's nothing to step in (to take) its place,'" he said, predicting a delay in changes or a replacement plan.

Harper is also a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee in the House, and he will continue to serve on that committee, as well as in his new role.

Email state reporter Arielle Dreher at [email protected].