Fourth District Congressional Candidate Joe Tegerdine
By Josh Mitchell/Informer Publisher
U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., who represents part of Marion County, is out of touch with South Mississippi values, Fourth Congressional District candidate Joe Tegerdine said today.
The Marion County Informer interviewed Tegerdine, a Republican, via telephone to speak with him about his views on the issues.
For a living Tegerdine said he does domestic and international business development and legal work for a Hattiesburg-based company called WNC Satcom Group. He was born in Oregon, moved to Seattle when he was 12, then lived in Taiwan where he was a Mormon missionary, attended Brigham Young University for his undergraduate degree and then completed law school at Florida State University. He has lived in Petal for the past three years.
Tegerdine began his campaign a year ago, saying to beat a 21-year incumbent like Taylor will take a strong grassroots organization. He said he is running because he wants to help make the country a better place for his children.
Tegerdine is running on a “straight conservative” platform of limited government, fiscal discipline and a strong defense, adding that most South Mississippians have those same political beliefs.
By voting for Nancy Pelosi as a speaker of the House and supporting other Democrat leaders such as Barney Frank of Massachusetts, Taylor does not represent his constituents, said Tegerdine.
Fourth District Congressman Gene Taylor
Taylor was not immediately available for comment, but the Marion County Informer left a message at his campaign office to address Tegerdine’s accusations.
It doesn’t matter if Taylor voted against the health care bill if he supported those who advocated the “radical agenda” Tegerdine said. “He’s lost touch with the constituents. He no longer represents the conservative interests of the District.”
In his 21 years in office, Taylor has only authored 28 pieces of legislation, and a mere five have passed, Tegerdine said. Taylor has done a lot of complaining but done little to change things, Tegerdine added.
The people want someone in office who is “not worried about their political neck” and who will put “principles over politics,” he said. “The time has come for him (Taylor) to retire.”
For the past 10 years, 70 percent of Taylor’s political donations have come from out-of-state political action committees, Tegerdine noted. “If 70 percent of the money is coming from out of state, who are you really representing?”
Tegerdine said he favors campaign finance reform in which donations are only allowed to come from voters in the District.
Tegerdine addressed the recently passed health care bill, saying the “financial mandate” will force businesses to layoff workers, reduce salaries and increase costs. He noted that he recently spoke with a mid-sized Mississippi company that said it would cost them $500,000 to comply with the bill.
Tegerdine said he “fully supports” efforts in the Congress to repeal the legislation but realizes that probably won’t happen until Republicans get a majority in 2010 and President Barack Obama is voted out of office in 2012. He also supports the legal challenge mounted by 14 states who say the bill is unconstitutional.
Healthcare costs will skyrocket because there will be 30 million more people insured in an “already stretched system,” Tegerdine said.
Regulations on U.S. companies should also be decreased to be more competitive in the world market, he said. He is a supporter of the “fair tax,” which, he says, would be a “comprehensible plan of tax reform.”
The fair tax would eliminate taxes on capital gains, income, payroll and estates, and replace them with one national sales tax. “People would have more money in their pocket every month,” Tegerdine said of the fair tax.
As for his opponent in the June 1 primary election, Steven Palazzo of Biloxi, Tegerdine said, ‘I honestly don’t know a lot about him.” But Tegerdine thinks his experience living in different parts of the world and United States, makes him more qualified than Palazzo for national office.
Tegerdine noted that he speaks Mandarin Chinese, which would be helpful in working with China on economic relations. Another big part of Tegerdine’s campaign is bringing jobs to South Mississippi, which he said can be done by networking and improving infrastructure such as airports, railroads and ports.
As for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Tegerdine said the United States needs to fulfill its commitments but most importantly rely on the generals and other experts in the field. However, he admitted that the American way of life cannot be instilled in those countries.
Wow, the party of NO is in full swing, what a great way to start a campaign, with uninformed opinions and negativity.
Sounds like you are the one spouting the same old party-line dogma. I can find your statement in one form or another on countless forums across the internet. It seems to me that the only thing Mr. Tegerdine was uninformed about in this article was his competition in the primaries.
If your OPINIONS are actually worth anything, do as I have done; attach your name to them.
Matthews Wells: His opinin–name or no name—, and all the like ones sprinkled on the internet must be of some value to you or you wouldn’t take the time to argue. Just saying.
formerly known as concerned:
Your argument is ridiculous. According to your logic, if I comment on the futility of pulling love bugs apart, then pulling love bugs apart must be worth something to me. Logically, it could mean the subject of love bugs, or the subject of party-line dogma (on both sides) has some worth or concern to me. This observation would be true in both cases.
However, I do see how my comment to which you refer could be taken as cold and possibly demeaning. I did not intend it to be. I will now rephrase said comment and offer it to you:
If you feel that your OPINIONS are actually worth anything, do as I have done; attach your name to them.
It is easy to comment on others when you are behind a shield of anonymity.
Sadly, it seems you missed the whole purpose of my prior comment. From the article above, not shocked’s comment was “uniformed” and needlessly “negative,” two things he accused the candidate of. As we see all to often in politics, people want to address something other than the actual issue.
Nope. I do now view your comments as cold and demeaning. I don’t take what you say as the gospel just because you attach a name to your opinions. Nothing in the terms of service on this site requires that. As I see it, it’s a matter of personal preference. Seems you’re pretty proud to attach your name to your comments. Cool. Good for you. Just accept the fact that some people will, for personal, professional or some other reason, behave differently than you do. Accept it and get over it. Move on pal.
“Wells” then, you cleared up what you meant to say with that 2nd post didn’t you? I am glad to know that other people have someone able to decipher as well as yourself and are able to clearly and precisely get your “opinion” out there so the rest of us know exactly what your purpose was!
Now, exactly what purpose did your tirade about love bugs have to do with the price of tea in China?
You two focusing on a side argument I made only strengthens it’s validity. Your comments would be less pointed and more cordial if your name preceded them.
Isn’t this an article about Joe Tegerdine?
It is certainly hard to find “negative” and “uninformed” comments in Tegerdine’s interview. I guess there are those who will always label views that oppose their own as such.
Could you be more specific? Emphatically saying no to more taxes, more government regulation, more unfunded social programs, and growing government deficits isn’t a bad thing is it? I hear a lot positivity in Tegerdine’s message. Yes to lower taxes, yes to more jobs by enticing more businesses to come to Mississippi, and yes to freedom from excessive government. What’s so negative and uniformed about that?
I’ve given consideration to not voting at all. If everyone did this for just one election cycle it would put an end to alot of the BS. AND IF IT DIDN’T WE WOULDN’T FOR FOR THE NEXT CYCLE OR THE NEXT. What’s the point of shooting ones self in the foot evey 4,6 years?
NOT VOTING???!!!! And leave this administration in for another 4 years??!!! OMG!! By then, it would be like living under Hitler!
Let’s be realistic how many people do think would actually not vote. If you want change you participate in elections and so forth. I think that is a cop out. It is our right and duty to vote for those we feel will have our best interest at heart. I completely back Joe Tegredine in his determination to stand up for what is right no matter what the cost will be. And he has also been misquoted which I find suspicously convenient. Joe Tegredine for Congressman!
Oh yes, not voting, what a great idea…not! I am sick and tired of not being represented in this country. We need a good strong conservative in office who will stand up for what is right. I am sick of working hard and supporting those who choose to be lazy! I will not be told what I HAVE to have as far as insurance. We work hard for what we have and we would like to keep it that way! I’m speaking for my family. I worked several jobs at a time, went to school full time and had student loans. I know what it’s like to scrape by, but i never asked for a hand out. It’s just not right. I now have a comfortable life and that s because I have EARNED it! Go Joe Tegerdine! I will gladly vote for him!
eviltwin how would anyone be left in office unvoted for. Are they working for free, for the power, what. Election cycle over the corruption over at less the official type.Think of the saving of waste. oH HOW WOULD WE MAKE IT BOO HOO. BACK BONE PEOPLE BACK BONE.
Where is all this we need someone who will look out for who’s interest. Wake up. IF ANY OF YOU HAD ANYTHING THE STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT LONG AGO. And yes these politicians stand up for what’s right, at least was right for them. Oh and it is at any cost, to you that is. Flip a coin you would do as well there as preaching the dogma of politics.
Here is the video of Taylor describing how he accepted a BRIBE from NANCY PELOSI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk_e_HvNJSE
I agree that there needs to a person in office that will be a “true” voice of the people. However, Tegerdine’s statement that
the people want someone in office who is “not worried about their political neck” and who will put “principles over politics,” is NOT a brand-new idea and usually always referred to by anyone seeking political office. We always hear how a person will put principles before politics when they are “stumping” for an office, but how they quickly forget that promise when they realize if they do NOT play ball they will ride the bench until they are off the “team.”
One more “opinion:” Honestly, how many will truly vote for Tegerdine? He is not born and raised in Mississippi. If he would encounter a truly viable Republican candidate which was born and raised here, most Mississippians from within the District would NOT even consider voting for an “outsider” that was not raised with our values and traditions… No sense and even pretending!
I must agree with you on one point. If Tegerdine’s apparent values where attached to a Mississippi pedigree, he would certainly be a more viable candidate. Hopefully we can vote for a representative based on how he aligns with our beliefs and needs as opposed to where he was born and raised or even his party. (Tegerdine, Palazzo, Taylor or whoever)
But what does baseball have to do with the price of tea in China? (I kid you.)
I’m resubmitting my comment but now edited. Caroline, I fully agree. Taylor is a ineffective snd irresponsible. He is ignorant and accepts meaningless bribes from Pelosi. I saw a bunch of You Tube videos and I am embarrassed for him! Furthermore the other Representative, Taylor played hookie with, from the pivotal health care meetings, to attend a punk rock concert, voted FOR the health care bill. Sorry excuse for giving a voice for the people.
http://www.firegenetaylor.com
I don’t know who I’m voting for But I can tell you it wont be Bail-out Taylor.
I found the videos of Tyalor. Gota see them to believe me.
What does Joe Tegerdine not being born in Mississippi have to do with anything? (I don’t think BHO was born in the USA)
If you gave Joe Tegerdine 5 minutes of your time, you would be sold. He is so intelligent and sincerely wants to help us get out of this mess we are in. He has my support and my friends and family’s support.
Eng. You’ve got Talor on a bribe and we all know how bad that is. But I’ve got one worst than that.The bribery of this state. REPS & DEMS both took part. Beware the state!
Perhaps 2cents is on to something here. How about a bribe that kinds takes the lead. It sure involved Marion County and when all the way to Jackson.
http://www.futurequest.word.press
Few people care about where one was born as long as they know the issues facing Mississippi and have the spine to take action and knowledge and wisdom to do something about it.
As I looked at the video footage between Tegerdine and Steven it was clear, Tegerdine had a far greater working knowledge of the constitution and how it will apply to Mississippi’s Future.
After seeing the 2 side by side it is clear who I will vote for. Joe Tegerdine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2R8jxvkt3U
Joe is definitely not your typical politician. He is so dang honest and Joe doesn’t know how to “stump.” Joe speaks from his heart with intensity because he really cares. Steven talks from a blue binder or his talking points. Clearly a difference there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eiz4u0ilLA&feature=channel
Gene Taylor on the EPA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cqr8D-De34
LOL. Does anyone ever use Google? Does anyone realize that:
1) He is a lawyer (BIG mark against him);
2) He was born in Portland OR and was raised in the Northwest…moved to Mississippi in 2007 – 3 YEARS ago.
So, let me ask you – Mississippians – what exactly does Mr. Tegerdine think he knows about what OUR district needs? How can anyone not born in the South, faced what we have faced and continue to face in the South when he doesn’t have a clue about the South.
Ya’ll may want to keep some of those KEY points in mind before you just willy-nilly vote “R” because you are ticked. If possible, forget about party politics and think about who cares enough to stand for us when it is needed. Taylor showed he was more than willing to do that during Katrina…and I’ll stand by him now in the face of this storm.
I believe that Tegerdine is attempting to use many people’s disgust about the Health Care bill to ride into political office on the backs of Democrats that are now right below Osama Bin Laden on the American most-hated list. If Tegerdine was such an outstanding candidate for the US Congress, why is he NOT already there? Has he NOT been able to be elected to Congress from one of the “MANY” areas he has lived in “throughout” the US?
I do NOT vote along any certain party lines. I listen to ALL of the candidates and vote for the person that seems to be the most qualified for the position and who will hopefully be a “true” voice of the people. I do NOT vote because someone makes a whole lot of “stumping” promises because those are as about as worthless as Confederate money.
Tegerdine just seems to come across to me as someone who believes that just because the people of Southern Mississippi live a slow-paced life and talk even slower that we are not capable of thinking very fast and can be manipulated out of anger, fear, and the unknown of where OUR country is heading…
You really need to email or call Tegerdine and you will see your impression of him is way off. He got into the race long before the health care debate became heated and said he could beat Taylor while most of the Republican leadership in our state said it could not be done. Tegerdine is not a career politician, nor does he have political aspirations. He got into the race because he felt like it is time we answer the call of our Founding Fathers to be citizen legislatures. He could have lived anywhere in the country and chose Mississippi after living here because he loves Petal and believes it is a great place to raise his family… how many of us can say we chose to live here?
Taylor is more than willing to send billions of dollars overseas to our enemies, while we still have people suffering from the effects of Katrina… look up the appropriations bill he voted for last May. His first official action when he was elected was putting Pelosi and other pro-abortion, pro-government leaders in control to stuff Obama’s radical agenda down our throats. Taylor doesn’t represent my values anymore. Tegerdine is a businessman and family man like most hard working Mississippians, he may not have lived here for long, but he chose to live here to raise his family and will fight for the values and principles we cherish here. Watch his youtube videos, call him or email him… you will see he is sincere.
Few will be voting willy-nilly anymore. No one reading this will just pull a lever. We are in critical times. The tide is turning we need someone who knows and supports the constitution. We need to be committed to removing compromised incumbents from office and replacing them with good men and women who commit to Fiscal Responsibility through Adherence to Constitutional Authority. Gene Taylor supports Nancy Pelosi. Nancy Pelosi is for abortions being paid for by my tax dollars and I will not support her supporters even if they claim to be pro-life. Gene Taylor did not fight for the Stupak amendment. Taylor said others were working on it and he didn’t even read the bill. Shame on you Eugene Taylor! Taylor, No action to protect life from Taylor equals not important enough for his time. genetaylorcongress youtube clips
We Mississippians would like to Welcome Gene Taylor’s hired on line help to his campaign. Just remember you are not aloud to vote in Mississippi unless you become a resident. I am a registered voter in the 4th district of Mississippi and no one pays me.
No Joe Tegerdine was not born here. But he lives here and his family is living here. They all attend church here. Those doubting his commitment to MS should get to know him. He is in this so that his children may enjoy the same freedoms we did and it’s only fitting that he do so in the district he and his family reside. We are quite fortunate to have Joe with us and on our side. If you are one of those morality challenged left wing socialist types like Falcon, please do as he asks, don’t vote.
Joe Tegerdine started campaigning to replace Gene nearly a year ago, when it seemed nearly impossible to unseat Gene. Due to the massive overreach of the Dems for the last 15 months, they should ALL be looking over their shoulders.
I support Joe for Congress in the 4th District of MS. The US is on an unsustainable financial path. We need true fiscally conservative representation in DC, and we need it now.
AKD mentioned that Taylor showed he was more than willing to support the people of our district during Katrina….let me ask this—-”What Congressman in his right mind WOULD NOT support his constituents in the wake of a major disaster of ANY kind?” C’mon folks, he didn’t do anything SPECIAL there….he did RIGHT, yes; but, nothing especially different than any other Congressman would have done. WHAT BURNS MY HIDE is how he DID NOT support us when he had the two chances in 2007 and 2009 to help keep PELOSI out of the SPEAKER’s Chair. Now—to me, THAT was something that most of us real conservatives in his district EXPECTED him to do…..had he done it, it would not have necessarily been anything “special”; but, because he DID NOT REPRESENT US, his constituents, with those 2 votes, then he SOLD US OUT. You can explain it away, like he did, if you want to, BUT, there is NO EXPLANATION that “legitimizes” why someone, like Taylor, who claims to be CONSERVATIVE, would even THINK ABOUT voting for someone as LIBERAL as Pelosi, mustless do it.
HE NEEDS TO GO……and it is unfathomable to me that someone would think that Taylor is actually supporting us in this “crisis” when he WILLINGLY put Pelosi in control of ALL legislation that goes through the U.S. House…
U N B E L I E V A B L E !!!
well guess this post is a bit old and things have changed since then.but thanks for informing me.
Steve is not for limiting the years he holds an office.
I agree with Tegerdine. I want term limits because the lobbyists and pac funds money from outside of Mississippi control the campaign funds and money talks in elections.
This year will be different though. Thank God. This year concerned voters will be voting for the most conservative fighter not the one with the most yard signs, TV ads, and billboards.
Voters now want ^*fight*^ not flash of $cash$. Ah, a new Tegerdine slogan.