Now that yesterday’s Congressional qualifying deadline is behind us, we have a clear picture of what 2010 is going to look like for Democrats.

First, let me say that I’m pleased with who we have running for Congress this year. We’ve got three good incumbents and a field of challengers vying for the Democratic nomination in the Third Congressional District.

If we want to be successful, we’re going to need your support! As you read about our candidates below, please consider contributing $10, $25, $100 or $250 to the Mississippi Democratic Party.

Our three incumbent Congressmen have no primary opponents, so we can now turn our focus to preparing for tough general election fights.

Two of our Congressional races are already garnering national attention. Congressman Travis Childers’ re-election bid is considered one of the top 10 races in the nation to watch. And longtime Congressman Gene Taylor has the first serious Republican challengers in many elections.

We don’t want to turn either of these seats over to Republicans. If we do that, our numbers in the House of Representatives could fall to dangerous levels when it comes to deciding whether or not we even see a vote on health care, much less get it passed.

Congressman Bennie Thompson is also facing Republican and Independent challengers. While we feel confident he will return to Washington, we will take nothing for granted. Having Bennie Thompson as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee is a valuable asset to Mississippi. I don’t intend to see it lost.

Finally, we have three Democrats vying to face off against Congressman Gregg Harper. I know a lot of people will write this race off as hopeless, but I don’t. Gregg Harper has to prove that he’s done enough for his district to warrant a second term, and serious questions about his votes against jobs and federal funding for road projects in Mississippi will be asked. He needs to be held accountable. Besides, I’ve always liked a good underdog. So we’re going to support our eventual nominee the best we can.

We can’t wait to start getting ready for the November elections. We have to start now! That’s why I’m writing you. I need you to give what you can.

Please contribute $10, $25, $100 or $250 to the Mississippi Democratic Party so we can elect Democratic Congressmen to represent our needs in Washington.

Working together, we can win in November!

Democratically yours,

Jamie Franks
Chairman