Could Taylor Face a Democrat Challenger?

                Fourth Congressional District Democrat Incumbent Gene Taylor could be facing a challenge from within his own party.  That's the word out of a local Democrat party member with knowledge of the race. 

Speaking this morning on my radio show, "On the Edge" on WPMP 1580 AM (www.wpmpradio.com), the Jackson County Democrat member did confirm that there were some within the Mississippi Gulf Coast Democrat ranks that are actively seeking a challenger to the 20-year incumbent Congressman.

                At issue for the local Democrats is Taylor's vocal challenge of the President and other Congressional Democrat leaders on the usual party issues, namely health care reform.  Taylor, who is a long-time member of the Blue Dogs and touts himself as a conservative Democrat, has effectively rode the political party fence by opposing abortion, gun control, and other  conservative mantles while often times voting for and alongside the liberal House leadership.  Such stances have allowed Taylor to defray criticism at home while remaining relevant in D.C. 

                The shear notion that Taylor could face a challenger from within his own party adds to the already rising tide sweeping through the national political scene of those fed up with business as usual in Washington.  Such feeling was never more prevalent than with the win by Scott Brown in the recent Massachusetts Senate race.  Many believe Brown's win to be a precursor of things to come during the 2010 Congressional elections.  It seems that now, more than ever, people on both sides of the aisle want to know where their elected representatives stand on the issues of the day and don't want to wander on a consistent basis where their allegiance lies. 

                Taylor has already drawn two Republican challengers to date - State Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-District 116) and Petal Businessman Joe Tegerdine.  There are rumors within the Jackson County Republican Party, as was also revealed on "On the Edge" this morning by a local Republican party member, that State Senator Michael Watson (R-District 51) was exploring a run for the 4^th Congressional seat as well.  Watson, in a January 31 story by the Clarion Ledger, said that he is "not currently planning on" challenging Taylor for the seat. 

The qualifying deadline is March 1^st.  In politics, that's a long time for the landscape to change.

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman