Two Endorsement Letters

5. November 2007 by P. Leslie Riley.

I received copies of two endorsement letters last night. If you did not already, plesae forward these to your friends. The first is from Chuck Baggett, an elder in my church & personal friend who is sending his first political endorsement letter. The second is from a long time GOP activst (Ross Aldridge) who is voting for a 3rd Party candidate for the first time ever.Letter from Chuck Baggett, New Albany, Mississippi

Hi all,

This is a first for me, but I’m writing to ask for your support for
Leslie Riley as Commissioner of Agriculture. Leslie is the only
conservative in this field of admitted Democrat Rickey Cole and Democrat
turned Republican Lester Spell — that’s Lester Spell of $55 Million in
taxpayer dollars to the failed Cull Cattle Plant. That’s Lester Spell
of who it is everyone’s fault but mine. I recently attended a debate
between these three at MSU, and the difference was made abundantly
clear: Both Mr. Cole and Mr. Spell attempted to answer each question
with how the government can help. Leslie Riley believes the first
question to ask is whether the particular issue is even the business of
government. Many of his answers during the debate had to do with
getting government out of the way of free enterprise so that issues
could be addressed by private entities.

Most folks don’t think much about Commissioner of Agriculture. This
position though is one that regulates both food in grocery stores and
gas at the pump, among many other things. If you eat or buy gas, this
position should be of some importance to you.

I’ve had the privilege to observe Leslie’s life over the past 2-3 years
since they began attending Christ Community Church. He is a dedicated,
consistent believer who steadfastly believes that God’s law triumphs all
other laws. When you talk to him, it is obvious that he has thought out
much more than most folks how his beliefs work themselves out in so many
areas of life. He is also a strict constitutionalist (running under the
Constitution party, for which he serves as state president), believes in
limited government and that government is not the answer for all that is
wrong in the world.

The father of nine living children, he is consistently and adamantly
pro-life.

You can learn more about him from his website, www.rileyforagriculture.com

You may not have heard much about him, but that’s because Leslie has run
his campaign with a very limited budget, and much of the media has
ignored him since he is not running on either the Republican of
Democratic ticket. I know he would greatly appreciate your vote, and
if after looking closer you feel that he represents those beliefs that
you also hold dear, please let others know of his candidacy.

Chuck

Letter from long time Republican political operative Ross Aldridge

Family & Friends:

The kind of day I live and work for is almost here–ELECTION DAY ‘07. I have watched this one grow for over a year and from a political science perspective, as well as partisan, this WILL be a turning point in Mississippi History. Just one example–the politics of the next decade is being written. How? Because the Legislature that is elected this Tuesday will draw the new district lines after the 2010 Census. Other long term issues abound–Katrina Recovery, Illegal aliens, Tort Reform–just to name a few.

On a specific note, the election of Agriculture Commissioner could make history, also. Most of you know that I have supported the GOP for over twenty-five years–longer than I could vote. Supporting the ‘conservative cause’ meant voting GOP. Goldwater and Reagan ‘were’ our standard bearers. Much has changed regarding ideology and principle, just since 1988–change not to the ‘right’ but backsliding to the ‘left.’ Our Party has been invaded by (or infected with) RINOs, republicans-in-name-only. On the national scene there are plenty of examples, Giuliani being one of the best. On the State level, it is none other than ‘Johnny-come-lately’ Lester Spell. (The negative effect of the RINOs is obvious and something I will save for a later ‘lesson.’ )

I will be voting this Tuesday and I will be voting GOP in every race, save one. Lester is a RINO. He slithered into the Party during the height of the Auditor’s/FBI investigation into the Beef Plant debacle (aka-Cattlegate). Now, he says he had good intentions but that it was an honest attempt that went wrong. He admits NO FAULT. I say ‘BULL.’ Need proof–just look at the documents listed on the Auditor’s website. Our Performance Audit Division researched well the ‘birthing’ of the Beef Plant, studying the actions of the Land, Water, & Timber Board, which Lester co-chairs. He knew early on how a cull cattle plant would have a hard time making a profit under the best conditions, turning a blind eye on the MSU study. Then there was the LWT’s lack of holding the Beef Plant ‘administrator’ accountable. On and on I could go about Lester’s role in ‘Cattlegate.’ Other issues–funny how Lester only worries about imported foods and labeling around election time; he still stands behind getting rid of our current Flag; and then there is the new Farmers Market–how well is it doing considering what it cost to build? These are NOT the actions of a ‘conservative’ nor a true Republican.

Folks, there is a ‘conservative’ alternative, Les Riley of Pototoc. I have known Les for over two years and his principles I’ve known much longer. Conservative and reform-minded are just a few of Les Riley’s qualities. Devout and dedicated are two more. He is no fake. Les says he is conservative, he acts conservative and that which he promotes as a candidate for Agr. Commissioner is what the philosophy of ‘conservatism’ calls for. Mississippi should be able to promote and protect one of its largest industries without the intrusion of the ‘federal’ government through excessive regulations, mandates and non-representative made administrative ‘law.’ Les Riley knows agriculture–what it needs to succeed and how it not only benefits our broad economy but how it rewards those individuals who ‘grow it.’ The FAMILY FARM, part of Mississippi’s rural greatness and cultural identity, could be a thing of the past by the middle of this century. Les Riley says lets make it where those ‘Fathers of Farming’ need not worry about passing down through their sons and daughters the virtues of tilling the land, growing a crop and harvesting a product. The future holds greater technology for agricultural output from chicken producing to alternative fuels–all areas where ‘Les knows Best.’

I am confident in my support for Les Riley. For the first time since I started voting in 1983 I am going with a third party candidate. Like every vote I have ever cast I am true to the philosophy of the Founders of our Republic and our State–less government, individual responsibility, property rights and Faith in the Sovereign GOD that made it all.

You have a choice Tuesday between two democrats and one conservative. Put being principled over being pragmatic. Les Riley does–and will, as your next Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce.

With Great Affection and Sincere Devotion, I am

Humbly Yours,
Ross

P.S. Please forward this message, if you agree, with your own comments to everyone in your address book living in our great Magnolia State. My thanks to each of you.

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