[Desk] And They’re Off … State Political Races Heating Up
It’s early, but candidates are starting to qualify to run for state political offices. For all you poli-junkies out there, the major parties released links to Web pages Monday listing candidates who have qualified to date (donkeys here and elephants here). No real surprises, yet?Rep. Jamie Franks, a populist Democrat of Tupelo, has qualified for lieutenant governor, and Republican Sen. Charlie Ross of Brandon and State Auditor Phil Bryant are expected in the race soon. On the governor’s side, the only Dem officially in so far is Musgrove’s chief of state and former state senator, Bill Renick, 53, and the executive director of the Marshall County Economic Development Authority. (His entry led Barbour fan Sid Salter to quickly proclaim that “[n]ow, there are two former lobbyists in the 2007 Mississippi governor’s race.” Touch?, Sid. Meantime, and being that Renick isn’t expected to set any thing on fire, the state awaits other potential Democratic challengers to Barbour. Rumors are that trial attorney John Arthur Eaves Jr. and Internet mogul Jim Barksdale may challenge Barbour. All are expected to wallop the governor over his poor track record on supporting adequate education funding in the state.
But, remember, candidates have until March 1 to qualify so expect some surprises. Keep an eye here on StateDesk for updates and a few poli-rumors along the way.
Posted by ladd at 01:09 PM in JFP, Elections, MS Newspapers, Analysis | Email this entry
Comments:
Barksdale might actually unseat His Majesty; I can’t see Renick or Eaves pulling it off.
Posted by Tom Head on 01/10 at 03:02 PM | #
If Barksdale were to challenge Barbour, he’d certainly have no problem raising (or fronting) the money neccessary to mount a viable campaign. That said, I’d certainly like to see sim enter the race, given what I perceive to be his genuine concern for bettering our state and people. In other words, unlike Barbour, Barksdale appears to use his millions to help others, not to make more. Other than a cursory knowledge of some of his philanthropy, I really don’t know a whole lot about him. However, I’d much prefer him over Barbour any day.
By they way, this is my first look at Mississippi StateDesk...and boy do I like what I see! Thanks JFP. You continue to rock!
Posted by on 01/10 at 03:07 PM | #
No problem, Kacey. 
This is something we’ve wanted to do for years, but had to focus on the core product first. And what better time to launch a new statewide political publication than during election year! Pass the word.
And I can’t tell you how much more is coming. This is really going to be Web 2.0 in practice, thanks to the iTodd.
Posted by on 01/10 at 03:10 PM | #
Oh, and as for the Barbour race, it will definitely take a strong personality to unseat him?and someone willing to call it when the emperor is walking around named. Like on Katrina response and contracts. It’s time for the post-911-Giuliani-esque hype to end and the chips to start falling where they need to.
Posted by on 01/10 at 03:12 PM | #
