Ole Miss student running for congress

Jessica Russell
Dm Senior Staff writer

If you're taking a political science graduate class this semester, the guy sitting next to you could be in Congress come November.

Political science doctoral student Chris Lawrence is running for Mississippi's First Congressional District seat as the Libertarian Party's candidate.

Lawrence said he has always enjoyed being a part of the political process.

"I guess I've always been in politics," he said.

Lawrence said he has been a member of the Libertarian Party for the past three or four years.

Lawrence said he was first approached by the Libertarians about running for this seat shortly after the first of this year.

"Well, the national party was looking for people to get on the ballot. I volunteered and no one else was interested," he said.

Lawrence said he hasn't had the opportunity to select a campaign manager or other staff members yet, saying his decision to seek this office was "spur of the moment."

According to a statement released to the press, Lawrence said he looks to achieve three goals if elected.

For his first goal, Lawrence said, "We need to return the role of government to its role of protecting individuals, black and white, from the excesses of majority rule."

Secondly, Lawrence wants to eliminate prosecution for "victimless" crimes such as prostitution and drug abuse.

Finally, Lawrence said he wants to privatize businesses currently controlled by the government, such as the U.S. Postal Service and Amtrak.

Lawrence says he is about halfway done with the coursework on his doctorate and would have to transfer some of his coursework if he won the election, but he's not that concerned about it.

"Obviously, it's a longshot so I'm not too worried about it," he said.

Fellow political science doctoral student Scott Huffmon is supportive of the campaign endeavor.

"I'll help him out in any way I can. I certainly have encouraged him to run," Huffmon said.

Huffmon said he has not been asked by Lawrence to help in an official capacity.

Huffmon said it's unusual to have a classmate run for office.

"Usually we study the politicians, we don't become them, so this is a little odd," he said.