Congressional Candidates Chat on Square

Congressman Jim Marshall was in Monticello Saturday morning visiting with Jasperites at the Market on the Square.

Congressman Marshall is seeking re-election to Congress. Congressman Marshall was elected last term by the third district, but because of redistricting now represents the eighth district which includes Jasper County. He is seeking his third term.

While in Monticello he announced his endorsement by the national Rifle Association. A member of the Army Rangers Hall of Fame, Congressman Marshall said he will “continue to protect our Second Amendment rights in Congress.”

Congressman Marshall is trying to spend some time in the new part of his district in these last few weeks until the November 7 election. Until Congress recessed early this month, he was in Washington, making campaigning difficult.

Congressman Marshall is being challenged in the new district by Republican former Congressman Mac Collins. Mr. Collins represented Jasper County in Congress previously. Both men were instrumental in getting funds for Jasper County projects. Mr. Collins was instrumental in obtaining funding for Funderburg Park, which brought to fruition a long time dream that was begun by generous personal donations.

Congressman Marshall this year obtained $30,000 in funding for an automated fingerprint identification system for the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office; $500,000 for paving in the Industrial park Expansion for the city of Monticello, and $500,000 for sidewalks and bikeways for the city.
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Congressman Marshall announced he was going to be in Monticello Saturday, and he was met on the Square by Congressman-hopeful Mac Collins. The two men spent time talking with constituents, then they stepped aside from the crowd and had a private discussion which Mr. Marshall afterwards said he initiated to discuss the direction of the campaign.

Both men have a base of support in Jasper County, and local voters certainly may have an effect on the outcome of that race.

There has been some mud-slinging in the campaign, and voters will have to sort through the accusations to determine who they want to support on November 7.