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The Magnolia Political Report for July 18, 2002
Magnolia Report 25
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Magnolia Political Report
July 18, 2002
(Number 25) - Web Version
www.MagnoliaReport.com
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Rumor Mill
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Attorney General Mike Moore seems about ready to make his future political intentions clear. Rumors are that he will be informing his inner circle of his decision as early as today and could make an announcement by Monday. But then with Moore, you can never be sure till he says it, and you can't be quite sure until the filing deadline.
Supreme Court Justices Oliver Diaz and Chuck McRae caught a lot of flack recently for a party with trial lawyers on the Coast. Now there are rumors that there has since been another fun party with these two justices and others, but this one was South of the Coast…in Jamaica.
Following the June 24 issue of the Magnolia Political Report announcing a rumor that Tim Ford may not seek reelection as Speaker of the House, and the subsequent discussions on SuperTalk-Mississippi, Tim Ford issued a press release (later that day) to say he was keeping his options open. Every major newspaper in the state has subsequently covered the story...remember where you read and heard it first.
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Magnolia Report E-mail Subscribers: 703
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2003 Neshoba Talk Sheet
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GOVERNOR
Democrats - Incumbent Ronnie Musgrove has yet to announce whether or not he plans to seek reelection to a second term. The names of Attorney General Mike Moore and Lieutenant Governor Amy Tuck are mentioned as potential challengers for the Democratic Nomination, but beyond them few names are seriously discussed save 1995 nominee Dick Molpus. Certainly if Musgrove chose not to seek reelection, the field would open up.
Republicans - Haley Barbour, though not formally making his intentions known until after the November elections, is most certainly running. With his celebrity status within the GOP, top political strategies, and fundraising prowess, he will be tough to beat in the Republican Primary (regardless of the general election). But that doesn't mean others aren't looking. Undersecretary of Agriculture Bill Hawks, Federal Reserve Board member Dave Dennis, and Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall all still remain top GOP names as well.
Independents - Just five months after Musgrove' inauguration, John Thomas Cripps announced he would be running for Governor in 2003. Cripps is the Chairman of the Mississippi Chapter of the League of the South. Lamar County Sheriff Marvin Breazeale also has said he is considering a run for the Mansion as an independent. Breazeale has been elected sheriff both as a Democrat and as a Republican and served the Reagan and first Bush Administrations as US Marshall for the Southern District
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Democrats - Incumbent Amy Tuck is expected to seek reelection. Conflicts with party members have caused strife that could hurt her in a primary more than a general election. She bucked the party line on congressional redistricting and made no position on the State Flag. Combine this with wide spread rumors she was considering a switch to the Republican Party, and you have some angry rank-and-file Democrats. If Congressman Ronnie Shows loses reelection in 2002, he may exact redistricting revenge by running against Tuck. South Mississippians have encouraged Representative Randy "Bubba" Pierce of Leakesville to run.
Independents - Democrat Senator Barbara Blackmon is considering a run as an independent.
Republicans - Southaven Mayor Greg Davis and Federal Surface Transportation Board Member Wayne Burkes and physician Randy Russell are all interested in the GOP nomination, but others are looking (especially if an independent gets in the race). Senators Mike Chaney (Vicksburg) and Ron Farris (Hattiesburg) are both on the short list, as is former Lt Governor Eddie Briggs.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Incumbent Democrat Eric Clark is expected to seek reelection to a third term. Few names have been floated as potential challengers this early, though Pike County Circuit Clerk Roger Graves has been mentioned as a possible Democratic Primary challenger. A GOP rumor places Daryl Neely, 2001 Republican nominee for Jackson Mayor, in the race as well.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Following the execution of Tracy Alan Hansen, and in anticipation of next weekend's start of the Neshoba County Fair, Mike Moore is expected to make his future political intentions clear soon. His decision to run for higher office, reelection, or to private practice influences this and other races. If he seeks reelection, don't expect any Democratic challengers and few Republican ones. If he vacates the AG's office, expect fireworks.
Democrats - Potential Democrats to replace Moore include Treasurer Marshall Bennett, Public Service Commissioner Michael Callahan, former Supreme Court Judge Jim Roberts, and Assistant Attorney General Morgan Shands. Callahan's popularity in the Southern District as well as strong campaign finance potential would make him a tough opponent in the primary.
Republicans - Several names popular in Republican circles may be vying for the GOP nod for this race, and several have backgrounds in common. Andy Taggart, Mark Garriga and Delbert Hosemann all have been mentioned. Taggart was Kirk Fordice's 1st Chief of Staff and Garriga was Fordice's 2nd Chief of Staff. Hosemann was the GOP's 1998 congressional nominee for the 4th Congressional District. Senator Charlie Ross has been discussed of late and his base in Rankin County would be strong in a Republican Primary.
TREASURER
Incumbent Democrat Marshall Bennett has long been considered in line for the Attorney General's office and he make a run for that post, the Treasurer's race should heat up as well. Of late, rumors suggest he may hold onto his current position and run for lieutenant governor in 2007. Still, a few names have been tossed around for this race including Democrat Senator Rob Smith, Republican accountant Buck Clarke, and Republican Representative Carmel Wells-Smith.
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
Incumbent Democrat George Dale, the nation's longest serving insurance commissioner, has announced once again that he plans to run for reelection. He was first elected to this post in 1975. But his talk of tort-reform has angered trial lawyers and he is expected to draw an opponent in the Democratic Primary. Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Compretta has been mentioned as a primary challenger. Republicans have been less directed to this seat but Senator Dean Kirby and Representative Keith Montgomery have both been suggested as potential challengers. Montgomery's House District was collapsed during redistricting.
AUDITOR; AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER
Very little noise has been made about challengers to either Republican incumbent Auditor Phil Bryant or Democrat incumbent Agriculture Commissioner Lester Spell.
OTHER NAMES TO WATCH
Here are a few more names to watch as possible statewide candidates.
Republican Nielsen Cochran - Central District Public Service Commissioner and former Jackson City Councilman: following on the reelection Senate campaign of his brother Thad, Nielsen Cochran could make a strong run for governor or lieutenant governor. His district was not disturbed, so he also has a strong reelection likelihood if he remains where he is.
Democrat Erik Fleming - State Representative: has made a lot of noise in opposition to conservatives in his Democratic Party and may take this opportunity to challenge one of them.
Republican Tim Johnson - State Senator: has had his district combined with another Republican and may not seek reelection because of it; however, he may also be looking to move up instead of out.
Republican Claiborne "Buddy" McDonald - District Attorney: switched to the Republican Party in a high profile move last year, would be a strong contender from South Mississippi, especially if Michael Callahan decided to vacate his Southern District Public Service Commission seat.
Republican Rusty Fortenberry - Former popular District Attorney in South Mississippi who backed out of the 1999 Republican Primary for Attorney General may just have a taste for politics again.
Democrat Rod Nixon - Bureau of Narcotics Congressional Liaison: who ran against Phil Bryant in 1999 for State Auditor and maintains support in the Democratic Party for a bid again in the future.
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WorldCom Congressional Contributions
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Chip Pickering - $82,050 ($38,500 from PACs) - ($43,550 from individuals)
Ronnie Shows - $6000 (from PACs)
Roger Wicker - $12000 (7000 from pacs) (5000 from individuals)
Bennie Thompson - $7500 (5500) from pacs) (2000 from individuals)
Gene Taylor - $500 (from pacs)
Trent Lott - $15,750 ($12,500 from pacs) (3,250 from indiv)
Thad Cochran - $8000 (from pacs)
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Round Up
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Howard Little, a Mississippi Public Service Commissioner from 1948-1956, has written a book titled "The High Nine" which discusses the United States Supreme Court and its members from its creation until today. Little is the oldest living former elected Mississippi official. To order, call Little at 662-286-5847.
Jack Criss, Executive Editor of the Delta Business Journal is currently writing the authorized biography of Kirk Fordice, entitled "Steel Will: The Life of Kirk Fordice."
Republican National Committee Chairman Governor Mark Racicot (MT) has asked Mississippi National Committeeman Mike Retzer to become the next Treasurer of the RNC. Retzer replaces Mike Duncan who is becoming the RNC General Counsel. Regarding the appointment, the Greenville Delta Democrat Times said on July 16, "New campaign finance reform laws stand before Retzer and the Republican party, forcing him and other members to come up with alternate ways to finance candidates. 'The reality is the world has changed, which has caused the rules to change,' Retzer said Monday. 'Political campaigns still have to be paid for, so it's going to require a certain amount of creativity (to raise funds).' Rather than funding campaigns with now-illegal 'soft money,' Retzer said the GOP will have to look to different sources, such as small business alliances, to help get their candidates into office." Retzer served as Southern Regional Chairman for Bush 2000 and is the former Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party. He played an important role at the RNC's Winter Meeting earlier this year when he nominated controversial Lewis Eisenberg as the GOP National Finance Chairman. Republican leadership turned to Retzer when Georgia State Republican Chairman Ralph Reed declined the opportunity.
The Reform Party of Mississippi, now affiliated with the America First Party, is holding its state convention this weekend. Their nominee for the Third Congressional District, Jim Giles, will be the keynote speaker. The convention is at 5pm at the Jackson Hilton.
About 20 GOPers from Mississippi showed up to the Southern Republican Leadership Conference held in Charlottee (NC) at the end of June. Those attending include State Auditor Phil Bryant (Brandon), Party Chairman Jim Herring (Canton), Senator Charlie Ross (Brandon), and activist Walter Scott (Jackson). The best rumor from the weekend is that some Republicans are discussing asking Kirk Fordice to run for Lieutenant Governor.
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Movers and Shakers
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President Bush appointed Barry K. Williams (Abbeville, MS) to the 2002-2003 Class of White House Fellows.
Recent appointments by Governor Ronnie Musgrove include Randy Mize to the Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Commission; Donald Green to the Mississippi State Tax Commission; Jessie Davis, Sam Forbert, and Sam Provenza to the Veterans Home Purchase Board; Jolee Childs Hussey to the Mississippi Library Commission; Shelby Thames to the Special Task Force for Economic Development Planning; David Lee Boone to the Local Governments and Rural Water Systems Improvements Board; Barney Schoby to the Mississippi Workmen's Compensation Commission; William Walker as Executive Director of Marine Resources; Rosetta Richard and Lavon Fluker-Reed to the State Board of Education; and Charlie Denver Brackeen, Napolean Moore, Dorothy Smith Nelson and Patricial Cain Randall to the Mississippi State Board of Community and Junior Colleges.
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Local Bulletins
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COLUMBIA -- The Marion County Election Commission ruled that Tim Galloway, the top vote getter in the recent special election, was disqualified because of a prior felony conviction for a 1981 charge of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Galloway led a four-man race to replace the late Alderman Robert Johnson. Galloway received 200 votes; B.G. Loftin received 128. Johnny Hales received 77 votes; Leroy Henry received 28. The election commission has ordered another election be held.
LAUDERDALE COUNTY -- The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors will appoint a new District 4 Supervisor following the death of Q.V. Sykes. A special election will be held to fill out the remainder of the term in November. To qualify, candidates must pick up a petition from the circuit clerk's office and get the signatures of 15 registered voters from District 4. Prospective candidates are not required to declare a party affiliation because it is a special election. The deadline to qualify to run for the office is September 6.
LAUREL -- According to WDAM, Laurel City Councilman Thaddeus Edmonson "is the subject of yet another investigation by the Attorney General's Office and Laurel Police. This time, authorities want to know what Edmonson's relationship is with nearly a half a dozen young girls in the Laurel and Hattiesburg areas." Edmonson has been indicted on a charge of influence peddling and faces and August 5 court date, but has refused to resign his office. Allegedly, Edmonson accepted $5,000 in bribes in exchange for his influence. WDAM continues, "News Seven has learned that Laurel police have interviewed at least five girls between the ages of 14 and 17 about their relationship with Edmonson. It reached a peak last week when the father of one girl allegedly attacked Edmonson on the street, forcing the city councilman to take refuge in a fire station. The father accused Edmonson of sexually assaulting a member of his family and has filed a formal complaint with Laurel police."
LUCEDALE -- Gladys Hobdy won the special election for Lucedale Ward 3 Alderman and will serve out the remainder of her late husband's term that ends July 2005. She does not plan to run again. She won the run-off over Donnie Barry 68 votes 36 votes; 106 of the ward's 459 voters turned out. A run-off was necessary when none of the three candidates won during the special election. Hobdy, Barry and Steve Elkins ran in the special election on June 18. The nonpartisan race resulted 91 votes cast with Hobdy leading the pack (37 votes - 40.7%), Barry in second (28 votes - 30.7%) and Elkins not making it into the run-off by a couple of votes (26 votes - 28.6%). Elkins (R) was defeated by the late Edmond Hobdy last year during the regular election by 47 votes.
MCCOMB -- McComb's municipal elections are this year with the primary held in November. The deadline to qualify is September 5. Candidates so far are Ward 1 - Incumbent Danny Esch; Ward 2 - Bob Maddox (incumbent Whitney Rawlings is not seeking reelection); Ward 3 - Incumbent David Myers; Ward 4 - None; Ward 5 - Incumbent Robert Smith and Warren Gilmore; Mayor - None.
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Upcoming Political Events
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July 20 (Saturday)
Mississippi American First Party
State Convention
Hilton in Jackson - 5PM
Keynote Speaker: Jim Giles
July 26-August 2
Neshoba County Fair
August 2 (Friday)
Mississippi Leadership Forum
Hilton in Jackson - 11:30-1:00
Speaker: Faisal Gill, Office of Personnel Management (Bush Appointee)
Topic: Primer on Middle Eastern affairs
RSVP: Goldie1957@aol.com
August 17 (Saturday)
Democratic State Executive Committee Meeting
August 17 (Saturday)
RNC / MSGOP
Volunteer GOTV Training Session
Newton Historic Depot; 128 South Main Street; Newton, MS
9am-2pm: Lunch Provided, No Charge to Attend
Open to county chairmen, campaign & party volunteers, county executive committee members, precinct captains, TARs, CRs, YRs, Republican Women, campaign staff and GOP volunteers
RSVP to smassey@msgop.org or 601-948-5191.
August 24 (Saturday)
RNC / MSGOP
Volunteer GOTV Training Session
Best Inn & Suites; 1210 Brookway Blvd; Brookhaven, MS
9am-2pm: Lunch Provided, No Charge to Attend
Open to county chairmen, campaign & party volunteers, county executive committee members, precinct captains, TARs, CRs, YRs, Republican Women, campaign staff and GOP volunteers
RSVP to smassey@msgop.org or 601-948-5191.
August 24 (Saturday)
Mississippi Democratic Party
Jefferson-Jackson Dinner
Jackson Hilton and Convention Center: 7PM
Tickets: $100; Tables: $1000
September 25-26 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Court Date of Skelton v MS Democratic Party
October 10 (Thursday)
Judicial Campaign Finance Report
Periodic Report Due
October 19 (Saturday)
Senators Thad Cochran, Trent Lott
Bay St. Louis Historic Train Depot
Car Show, Music, Bar-B-Q Chicken
All Day, Dinner served noon till gone
October 29 (Tuesday)
Judicial Campaign Finance Report
Pre-Election Report Due
November 5 (Tuesday)
General Election
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Final Word: Overlooked?
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On July 9, 2001 the White House issued a press release announcing President George W. Bush's intention "to appoint the following individuals to serve as Members of the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee:...Bernard John Ebbers of Mississippi to represent MCI WorldCom."
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Magnolia Political Report, 2002
Brian Perry, Editor
www.magnoliareport.com
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© Magnolia Political Report 2002 • PO Box 24233 Jackson, Mississippi 39225
FAX 601.355.7885 • scoop@magnoliareport.com
Brian Perry, Editor