With the Republican primary behind him, State Sen. Alan Nunnelee returned to the campaign trail Thursday in Columbus with former opponent Henry Ross in his corner.
“There are a lot of good people running in the (1st Congressional District) race, independents, friends of ours. But at this point we believe Alan offers the best chance to bring the seat back in the hands of conservatives. That”s why we”ve offered our support,” said Ross.
Both men spoke to a small crowd gathered in front of the Lowndes County Courthouse. Ross addressed the crowd briefly before Nunnelee reiterated his campaign promises, guaranteeing he”ll vote to repeal healthcare, enforce immigration laws and fight against equal rights for captured terrorists if he defeats incumbent Travis Childers in November. Nunnelee elicited the biggest cheer from the crowd when he promised to vote to fire House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
“We”re going to take our message to the people of the first congressional district that we need change in Washington,” said Nunnelee of the next step in his campaign. “That starts the first day when I fire Nancy Pelosi. That”s not going to solve all our problems, but it”s a pretty good first day.”
Nunnelee is a conservative, but closer to the center than Ross or fellow Republican candidate Angela McGlowan. Ross believes Nunnelee will be effective in “carry(ing) out the issues he”s talking about.”
Low turnout was reported for the June 1 primary, but Nunnelee says he expected a low turnout and anticipates more voters to vote in the general election.
“It”s consistent with 2008. You have a drop off from a presidential election year to non-presidential election year. But I think the voters of the first congressional district want a different direction in Washington and we”re going to give them that opportunity,” he said.
Ross said voters need to be concerned with the direction of government.
“All they need to do is watch the news. As they pay attention to things leading up to the election, I think they”ll get involved,” he said.
Sam Chesnut, owner of Sanderson Plumbing in Columbus, is one citizen who”s gotten involved. She says the Democratic congress” tax policies and healthcare bill will place an undue burden on businesses while Nunnelee”s policies values favor businesses.
“He believes in the core values of our country,” said Chesnut.
Nunnelee says the first district needs job expansion based on private investment, not “artificial stimulus.”
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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