12/16/2009 4:31:00 PM GOP leader calls for action in national health care debate
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele visited Jackson last week calling for a grassroots campaign in the health care debate.
By STEVEN G. WATSON Associate Editor
JACKSON - A visit from Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele last week brought with it a call for grassroots action against President Obama's proposed health care reform.
Steele made an appearance at the Mississippi Republican Party Headquarters in Jackson Friday where he called for those on hand to get engaged in the health care debate.
"We need to hold off the greedy grabby hands of the Federal government as they try to take over our health care," Steele said. "We're all asking you to get engaged more than ever. If you don't they will get their way and if they do you won't like it."
Steele suggested putting hand-drawn signs saying, "Listen to me" in their front yards for their legislators returning home from Washington.
"Tell them 'If you don't listen we'll remember,'" he said. "This is our moment to help our leadership get it right."
On hand at the event were Gov. Haley Barbour, Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant and dozens of other statewide elected GOP leaders.
The occasion was used to recognize Neshoba County Chancery Clerk Larry McMillan, who announced his intentions to switch to the Republican Party, having been a lifelong Democrat.
Steele joked with McMillan, noting all the big-name state Republicans who came out for the event.
"You really bring them out Larry," Steele said. "It's a great honor that I get to welcome you to the Republican party."
Barbour also welcomed McMillan, saying they were "tickled to have him," and that he's sure when he looks back on it "you'll only wish you'd done it sooner."
In his fifth term, McMillan attributed his switch to being fed up with the Democrat Party's push for health care reform.
McMillan is the 9th county or municipal elected official in Mississippi to switch to the Republican Party this year.
Also noted at the gathering was the departure of Mississippi National Republican Committeewoman and Madison County resident Cindy Phillips.
Phillips announced she would be stepping down last month after serving in the position since 2000. She said after 10 years it was time for her to be a grandmother.
"I've definitely got grandmother things to do," Phillips said laughing.
She added that she would not be "retiring," however.
"I'm going to be as involved as ever or possibly even more, just in a different way," Phillips said. "We've got some big elections coming up and I plan to be very involved."
In response following the rally on Friday, Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Jamie Franks admonished Gov. Barbour's actions, saying he is using scare tactics in pushing a Washington agenda while the state suffers.
"Call the governor and tell him to stop playing Washington politics, traveling the country so he can run for President, and get back to work for the people of Mississippi," Franks wrote in a web posting.
