John McCay is the Republican who rose to the challenge this year. Because of the obvious odds he faces and the courage in running for such a position I will not attack him. I also know his brother and would count him as a friend so this won't be a place to find attacks in this race.It's unclear whether John McCay lives in Gulfport or Picayune, but his family calls Gulfport home. He's an eagle scout (which I respect) and has degrees from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, the University of Southern Mississippi and the Memphis Theological Seminary.
John McCay is single, 32-years old and a United Methodist minister currently serving the Trinity United Methodist Church in Picayune.
John McCay is a longtime Republican activist having served as an officer in the College Republicans and is currently a member of the Republican National Committee.
John McCay lists his priorities on his website:
My strong convictions supporting issues such as Pro-life, the Second Amendment, smaller government, fiscal responsibility, a balanced budget, lower taxes, and hurricane Katrina recovery will steadily guide us into a more prosperous future. I promise to maintain my integrity and dignity as I serve the people of the 4th District.What's funny to me is that all the issues John McCay lists as important appear to be issues that he is in agreement with Congressman Gene Taylor. It's going to be hard to build an argument for change if he can't find ways he seriously disagrees with the incumbent.
I wish him well, but I'll continue to support our excellent Congressman Gene Taylor. Here's to hoping this race stays clean for both Gene Taylor's and John McCay's sake.
John lists 11 issues on page 1 of his website. He goes into more depth on his issues page with a few of them. There are major differences between the two candidates. Gene constantly raises taxes, and is considered a big spender – John supports an end to the IRS via a fair tax system. Gene supports the welfare state (albeit a more responsible one) – John wants to phase most of it out or cut it back over time. Gene says he is for lower taxes and smaller government but has yet to actually vote for it – I believe John is way stronger than Gene on those issues, but whether you agree or not he certainly has a different position. Gene also votes consistently with his liberal party (86%) the rest of his votes are conservative usually related to God, guns, and guts. John supports a more humble foreign policy; Gene supports the Bush empire philosophy. Gene is a decent and good man, but is still too far left for his district. 20 Years is long enough. They are virtually the same on Pro-Life, and other social issues but that is about the end of their similarities. Thanks for the article.
ReplyDelete"Gene constantly raises taxes and is a big spender"
ReplyDelete- Ha. Gene Taylor is one of the bigger watchdogs for the taxpayer we've got. He's made balancing the budget and paying attention to our rising debt a central issue for as long as I can remember.
So yes, that does leave the "fair tax" which is estimated would levy AT LEAST a 23% tax on goods and services which would decrease consumption and throw our economy into a far worse place.
The UnFair Tax prescription may have side affects far worse than the ill it seeks to address.
Hi John thanks for the rebuttal. If you look up Gene's record on taxes you will find that he is in fact a big tax and spender. Here is a non-partisan link. People can spin it any way they want, but his voting record is public. http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Gene_Taylor.htm
ReplyDeleteThe fair tax (depending on which version one subscibes) is a consumption tax as you mentioned, but those who estimate the 23% rate based on our current welfare state model. Using that model 23% is probably a low number. The bottom line - the fair tax system must accompany a smaller federal government (cut government spending especially nanny state projects). Implementing a fair tax would Allow you to keep your entire pay check, Untax the poor with a rebate on the necessities of life (depending on the final version) Make sure everyone pays their fair share, Protect Social Security and Medicare, and Stimulate investment, economic growth, and job creation.
You also mentioned that it would "decrease consumption." I strongly disagree because you will have more money in your pocket to start with. Here is a balanced article on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FairTax
The people of this Country should not have to fear its Government. End the IRS. Thanks for the soap box.
Thanks for the debate.
ReplyDeleteGene Taylor has consistently backed the establishment politicians in Washington D.C. I don't necessarily think he is a bad person, and he is a much better option than most house democrats. John McCay will represent his district and country much better. Jeff made some really good points. It's time to bring true change into Washington.
ReplyDeleteHow can anyone with absolutely NO experience or reputation in politics actually think they can run against Gene Taylor and win? Eagle scout and a Preacher is very commendable.....But I am not sure that even closely qualifies him.
ReplyDeleteI agree that being an Eagle Scout and a preacher are not good enough qualifications to seek this job. However John has other qualifications. He is not just a preacher, he is an officer in the military where he serves as a chaplain. But not just a chaplain, he was awarded chaplian of the year for his exceptional service with soldiers and victims after Hurricane Katrina. He is a cut above and has dedicated his life to serving others. That makes him qualified.
ReplyDeleteExperience is a great thing and a must I agree. John has many years of experience serving people both in the military as an officer and as a minister in numerous churches and communities in South Mississippi. The US Rep. job requires that kind of experience.
As far as a reputation in politics he has been involved for many years with the GOP and is well known in those circles.
Gene has had 20 years, and yes tons of political experience, he also seems to be a decent guy. With all of those years of political experience he still has not chaired one committee. I believe if he had done so he would have had more clout with his multi-perils bill that died a horrible death. I believe it is time for a change.
Gene Taylor is a very influential Congressman.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see any of our other congressmen get dozens of other US Representatives to come to the cost to focus exclusively on our biggest issue.
John McCay couldn't even hope for that kind of clout.