TUPELO - Snow flurries and 30-mph winds kept Robert Estes' remarks brief Thursday, but his election pitch was hot for Congress.

"I need your help," said the Southaven businessman at a campaign stop in front of Tupelo City Hall.

Estes, a 38-year-old Republican, voiced his support "for the working man" and promised to take the message for jobs and fewer regulations to Washington, D.C., if he's elected Nov. 6.

First, he'll have to unseat incumbent Alan Nunnelee of Tupelo in the March 13 Republican primary.

"We've got a serious problem in America," said Estes, wearing blue jeans, a white dress shirt and dark-brown suede jacket. "It's too many rules and regulations."

He showed a small crowd, braving the frigid weather, a plaster replica of the U.S. Capitol complex, which bore a "Made in China" label underneath.

There's something wrong, he said, when a product like this can be made, shipped to the U.S. and trucked to an American market to be sold cheaper than it can be manufactured here.

His campaign setup stood next to his colorful, double-cab truck bearing Estes' www.wheresamericasjobs.com logo.

The owner/operator of Estes Grading and Trucking vowed to work for job creation, debt-ceiling reduction and less federal spending.

Estes also promised to start reducing the deficit by cutting foreign aid by 10 percent. "That may not sound like much, but it's got to start somewhere."

He said the people of Northeast Mississippi have the heart and courage "to repave that road to Washington" and set an example for the rest of the country.

Also on the GOP ballot will be former Eupora Mayor Henry Ross. Democrat Mark Duvall of Mantachie also filed qualifying papers this week.

Today is the deadline for all candidates to qualify for the U.S. House and Senate.

patsy.brumfield@journalinc.com

Robert Estes

• Age – 38

• Occupation – Owns, operates Estes Grading and Trucking

• Home – Southaven

• Family – Single

• Education – Horn Lake High

School, 1992