By DAVID A. FARRELL
PICAYUNE — Mississippi Fourth Congressional District Republican candidate Joe Tegerdine said on Tuesday night while campaigning in Picayune that he is trying to build in each county a grass-roots political organization throughout the Fourth District.
He said that if he can do that, he can beat Democrat incumbent U.S. Congressman Gene Taylor of Bay St. Louis in the 4th Congressional District election.
Tiffany A. Parrish, Tegerdine’s finance director who accompanied Tegerdine, said that the National Republican Party has placed Taylor on a list of Democrats whom they believe are “vulnerable” in this year’s congressional elections.
Tegerdine, a Petal businessman who spoke to supporters at the home of his Pearl River County campaign manager Angela Hill admitted he, so far, does not have the funds to mount an effective media campaign against Taylor.
He said that the campaign funds he needs will come. It was the third time Tegerdine has visited Pearl River County.
He also added that although he will meet his campaign’s financial goals, money is not the only necessity in the current race. He said he has about $20,000 in his campaign coffers right now but needs much more.
He pointed to Utah Republican 3rd District Congressman Jason Chaffetz’ campaign where Chaffetz formed a grass-roots organization of volunteers who propelled his campaign to victory. He said Chaffetz is a rock-solid conservative, who took no ear marks during the last round of congressional pork handouts.
Asked if he would accept earmarks, Tegerdine said, “No.”
He said he liked Chaffetz’ method of operation and said he would like to model his campaign after the Utah congressman’s.
Chaffetz, who was elected to congress on Nov. 4, 2008, sleeps on a cot in his office to save $1,500 a month.
It remains to be seen, though, whether Tegerdine can pull it off. Taylor has not had any credible competition in 20 years.
Tegerdine said large numbers have been turning out for his visits to communities, towns and cities throughout the district, and that he has about 200 volunteers who are donating time and effort to his campaign. He said he is attempting to sign up more.
“The response has been tremendous,” he said.
Tegerdine pointed to a $100,000 food bill recently turned in by Pelosi on her Copenhagen trip. He said the Washington, D.C., politicians are out of touch with the “real America.”
“I will work to end this,” he said. “My allegiance will be to those who elect me and not to the lobbyists and special interests.” He said he was a conservative and it was time for “new leadership, limited government, fiscal discipline and strong national defense.”
Tegerdine and Taylor are the only two candidates in the November election so far. The deadline for filing for candidates is March 1.
