Gregg Harper says at the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, 'we hunt liberal, tree-hugging Democrats, although it does seem like a waste of good ammunition.' | Photo by AP Photo Close

Freshman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) tells us what he learned from his mentors Haley Barbour and Trent Lott — and what exactly happens in the Sportsmen’s Caucus.

Why do you think the majority of congressional representatives are lawyers, like yourself?

I could tell you, but then I’d have to sue you.

As a congressman, what’s your biggest obstacle?

Trying to find my way around the Rayburn building is always a challenge. Combining my poor sense of direction with a confusing design is not good.

What’s the best advice your pal Haley Barbour ever gave you?

Maintain your old contacts, and stay in touch with your local leaders back home. Continue to work on your grass-roots efforts. No one “gets it” more than Haley.

Trent Lott?

Learn the rules of the House and always stick with your friends. Trent has always been there for me and has been a living example of what loyalty means.

What in the world does the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus do?

We hunt liberal, tree-hugging Democrats, although it does seem like a waste of good ammunition.

If Thad McCotter (R-Mich.), Tom Price (R-Ga.) and Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) were all sitting at separate tables, where would you sit?

Probably with Thad because if I didn’t, it would hurt his feelings. You know what a sensitive person he is.

You’re an avid autograph collector. Who’s your dream signature?

I would like to acquire a document autographed by John Witherspoon, who signed the Declaration of Independence and is one of my American heroes. Witherspoon was a Presbyterian minister, was the president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and influenced many of our early political leaders.

Ole Miss or Mississippi State?

Yes.

Have you broken your streak of not introducing any bills yet?

Bill who?

What’s the biggest misunderstanding people in Washington have about folks from Mississippi?

Folks have a common misconception that Mississippi is strictly a rural, outdoors state. While we are famous for our hunting, sport fishing and year-round golf, we also have leading manufacturers like Peavey Electronics and Viking Range Corp.

Who is your favorite Mississippi literary great: Eudora Welty or William Faulkner?

Neither. I’ll take my law school classmate John Grisham any day.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Eating dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses every day.