Formerly the Nick Walters Political Report
Magnolia Report for August 13, 2001 (#4)
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Democrat Party Update
The race for chairman of the Mississippi Democrat Party appears to be between Stan Flint, lobbyist for the Mississippi Trial Lawyer Association; and Ricky Cole*, former Democrat National Committeeman. John Arthur Eaves Jr.'s name was floating around as well, but not being on the committee prevents him from running. Eaves may be the Democrat's new finance chairman under a Flint administration. The election is set for August 18, this Saturday.
As trial lawyers continue to exert their strength in the Mississippi Democrat Party, some "pro-business" Democrat elected officials have become concerned. The word has gone out, if you support tort reform, expect a challenge in the 2003 Democrat Primary by a well-funded opponent. This goes from legislators all the way up to statewide elected officials. Lt. Governor Amy Tuck's overtures toward the business community of late has fed fuel to the fire that she may introduce some limited tort reform legislation during the next general session. My prediction: if Tuck comes out for meaningful tort reform, she will run for governor in 2003 or she will run as a Republican or both.
George Dale, Insurance Commissioner, has also been in the hot seat. Dale won election to his seventh term with 75% of the vote in 1999 to continue as the nation's longest-serving elected insurance commissioner. The epitome of a "Yellow Dog Democrat," Dale has of late bumped heads with trial lawyer leaders with comments on lawsuits and insurance in print and at the Neshoba County Fair. The last thing Dale likely wants to do is become a Republican, but if faced with a well-funded trial lawyer candidate in the Democrat Primary in 2003, he will certainly be looking for options.
*The e-mail version of this report incorrectly identified Ricky Cole as black. He and Flint are both white meaning there would not be a racial political division in a contest between them.
Republican Party Updates
The Jackson County Republican Women's Founder's Day event in Pascagoula played host to US Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, who was accompanied by her husband, Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell. The event also pulled in Mississippi Republicans from around the state with MSGOP Chairman Jim Herring, Senator Trent Lott, State Auditor Phil Bryant, MSGOP Finance Chairman Dave Dennis, and Bush Appointee Dennis Dollar all shaking hands with well wishers.
The Mississippi Republican Party holds a fundraiser at the Mississippi Arts Pavilion in Jackson at The Majesty of Spain exhibit at 6PM on August 16. The cost is $100 a couple or $50 a person and honors new Chairman Jim Herring. Call Reba Jackson at (601) 948-5191 for details.
The MSGOP is also calling for volunteers to help build houses with Habitat for Humanity in Jackson. Work times are from 8am to noon and 1pm to 4:30pm each Saturday between August 25 and October 6. Call Rebecca Anthony at (601) 948-5191 for details.
Finally, the Republicans have retooled their web page. Check it out at www.msgop.org or find it on the Magnolia Report Political Links Page.
Hits to Magnolia Report Web Page August 1 to August 12: 6532
Hits to Magnolia Report Web Page Since Launch (July 6): 17,774
Special Elections
Madison County will hold a special election on November 6 for Chancery Clerk to fill the resigned position of Steve Duncan. One candidate with ties to the state's conservative structure is expected to make an announcement regarding a run for this office on Tuesday, August 14.
The special election in the Town of Cruger for tomorrow may be unnecessary. Only Draper Aldridge qualified for the alderman position. He wins.
Puckett, in Rankin County, also has a special election tomorrow to elect municipal officers. All candidates failed to qualify by the deadline earlier this year. Perhaps they remembered this time.
Winston County will hold a special election for sheriff on November 6. Five candidates have announced, one of which resigned his justice court judge position to run. His justice court judge position also will be on the November ballot. The deadline to qualify for both these races is September 7.
Oxford Ward 5 Alderman Kelly Allen resigned due to a job transfer to Louisiana. Qualifying deadline for the special election is September 1 with the election on September 11. The ward has the fewest number of registered voters in the city. Allen ran unopposed in 1997 and again in 2001. His predecessor ran unopposed in 1993. If only one person qualifies, they will be certified the winner.
Tunica County will hold a special election on November 6 to fill the posts of County Coroner and District Five Election Commissioner. Bart Cowart, reelected to the coroner position in 1999, died last fall and was followed by the death of Board-appointed Coroner earlier this year. No one qualified or ran for the election commissioner post in 2000.
Coming soon to the Magnolia Report Features Section: Comprehensive List of Mississippi Special Elections.
Quick Notes
The Sun & Sand Hotel, home for many years of Mississippi elected officials seeking lodging during legislative sessions, both special and regular, will be closing on September 30 of this year. Wanted: Backroom to make deals in, will provide own smoke.
Jesse Jackson was in the state to join the executive secretary of the Mississippi Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Stephanie Parker-Weaver in her fight against eminent domain and the Nissan Plant. Parker-Weaver, a member of the Democrat State Executive Committee, has been at odds with several members of the Legislative Black Caucus over the issue. Jackson (the man) visited the home of Kenneth Stokes, councilman for Jackson (the city).
Democrat Congressman Gene Taylor and Republican Senator Trent Lott made a bipartisan defense of Ingalls Shipyard against criticism by the somewhat Republican Senator from Arizona John McCain.
The Mississippi Leadership Forum, a "Sunday School for Conservatives" in all parties, meets this Wednesday at Jackson's Hilton Hotel Madison Room. The speaker is Jim McLaughlin of McLaughlin and Associates, a polling and political research firm. Lunch begins at 11:30 and the speaker concludes at 1:00 sharp. For details e-mail: nick@nickwalters.org
Melanie Musgrove's belongings were packed up and carried out of the Governor's Mansion and into moving vans on August 6. She and the Musgrove children will move to a house in Rankin County. The Musgrove divorce should be official on August 20. Ronnie Musgrove was in Rhode Island at the National Governor's Association meeting at the time.
Curt Hebert (Pascagoula) has resigned his role as Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission effective August 31. Meanwhile, Jim Greenlee (Batesville/Oxford) received his formal nomination to be the new US Attorney for the Mississippi Northern District.
3rd District Congressman Chip Pickering will be making stops in the 4th District this week; while, 4th District Congressman Ronnie Shows will be making stops in the 3rd District this week. Let Campaign 2002 begin.
1st District Congressman Roger Wicker is sticking to his own district and conducting a "Back Roads Tour" visiting country stores and restaurants. Wicker often makes stops at the county seats and city halls, but wants to be sure not to miss the working people of his district.
Shameless Self Promotion
Magnolia Report Editor Brian Perry appears on the Paul Gallo Radio Show this morning to discuss the report and Mississippi politics. Gallo is the morning drive for the Supertalk-Mississippi radio network covering Jackson (97.3FM), Hattiesburg (97.3FM), Oxford (105.5FM), and The Delta (96.9FM).
E-Bytes (Not Sound Bites, this is the Internet)
Mike Moore on state's using tobacco lawsuit money for non-healthcare issues: "It's moral treason to me. We got all this money, then legislatures and governors who were not even in this fight act like the money fell out of heaven and spend it on the political whim of the day." - New York Times
Gulfport Senator Billy Hewes on the handling of USM President Horace Fleming: "To call it a witch hunt would be the understatement of the year. What we witnessed was a cowardly, covert assassination. How dare he suggest we provide greater four-year degree access to one of the state's most populous and under-served regions." Hewes offered a mock job description for the new university president; "Applicant must not be an individual of strong opinion, character or moral fiber. Must have a demonstrated history as a doormat with a desire to develop those attributes further." -Mississippi Business Journal
Sid Salter on Governor Musgrove's letter of endorsement for business friends: "What's next? The Governor's Guide to Fine Dining? Ronnie's Football Picks of The Week? An album of pop tunes: Viva, Gomer! (CDs $17.50, cassette tapes $12.95.) The whole notion of the governor using the dignity of the state's highest office to pimp new business for his cronies sort of gives new meaning to the all-too-familiar cable television marketing company called "Ronco" - "it slices, it dices, it juliennes, it will wax your car, hide your bald spot and slice meat so thin your relatives will NEVER come back!" -Clarion Ledger
Movers and Shakers
Steve Hale (Senatobia) has joined the staff of Governor Ronnie Musgrove as a senior policy advisor for economic development. Hale served a term as alderman and two terms as mayor of Senatobia.
Leon C. Bramlett (Clarksdale) has joined the staff of Senator Thad Cochran as a field representative in the Oxford office. Bramlett owns and operates Bramlett Farms and Bramlett Gin and Delint Company in Clarksdale. He was the Republican nominee for Governor in 1983 against eventual winner Democrat Bill Allain.
Senator Terry Burton (Newton) and Representative Mary Coleman (Jackson) will be honored tomorrow in San Antonio at the National Conference of State Legislatures "Salute to State Legislative Education Leaders." Burton, a Democrat, represents Senate District 31 in Lauderdale, Newton, and Scott Counties. Coleman, a Democrat, represents House District 65 in Hinds County. They will join 41 other legislators from seven states in receiving this honor.
Allen Floyd (Martinville) will be installed as the new Simpson County Republican Chairman at a Passing of the Gavel Ceremony at the Simpson County Courthouse on August 16.
Solomon Osborne (Greenwood) was appointed Leflore County Judge by Governor Musgrove to fill the vacancy created by the previous appointment of former county judge Richard Smith to the Circuit Court following the retirement of Judge Gray Evans. Osborne was public defender is the Leflore Justice Court.
Charles Weems (Canton) was appointed by the Madison Board of Supervisors as the county's new chancery clerk following the resignation of former clerk Steve Duncan.
Woodie Assaf (Mississippi) was retired August 3 by WLBT. Assaf was weatherman for the same TV station longer than any other television weatherman in the nation. He started his career at WLBT on Dec. 20, 1953, the day the station first began broadcasting.
Magnolia Report Poll
From time to time the Magnolia Report front page will host a poll. The past poll asked, "What is your favorite source of political news?" A total of 143 people participated with the following results.
Daily Newspapers (24) 16%
Weekly Newspapers (10) 6%
News/Talk Radio (8) 5%
Internet (Includes online versions of above) (68) 47%
Other (3) 2%
In the "other" comments, users suggested specialized journals and, "The Magnolia Report, of course!!!! I know it's online, but it needs a category of it's own!" Thanks for voting and writing.
The current poll up asks "Which statewide elected official do you personally respect the most?" Vote today.
Rumor Mill and Whispers
Mississippians in South Mississippi were called recently in a poll asking two questions. The questions were a favorable test for Supreme Court Judge Chuck McRae and Governor Ronnie Musgrove. McRae's term is up in 2003 but he runs for re-election in 2002. Rumors circulated that Representative Jim Simpson (R 118) of Gulfport would run against McRae, but now the word is Simpson's name was circulated to keep others out of the race.
Speaking of Musgrove, on his way to the National Governor's Association in Rhode Island he made a stop off in Washington DC where a source spotted him paying a visit to the Junior Senator from New York, Hillary Clinton.
Where do you draw the line between respecting an elected official's family troubles by sealing a divorce settlement, and protecting the state's political integrity by revealing such a settlement? One rumor says Ronnie Musgrove's divorce settlement with Melanie Musgrove was higher than his income could permit, but that it has been underwritten by political friends. While such a rumor could easily be created by Musgrove's political opponents, the problem with that rumor is with no one commenting on the settlement, and with the settlement sealed from public view, how can Mississippi be assured such is not the case?
Race for 2003
John Caldwell (Nesbit) plans to run against Northern District Transportation Commissioner Zach Stewart. Caldwell was the first Republican elected as a DeSoto County Supervisor in 1995 and was reelected in 1999. Stewart, the five-term Democrat incumbent had been rumored to not seek reelection, but told the DeSoto Times last month that, "I'm planning on running for reelection, yes."
Senator Trent Lott told the press at the Jackson County Republican Women's Founder's Day that he would not be running for governor in 2003, but that he expected State Auditor Phil Bryant to be governor one day. GOP Chairman Jim Herring agreed that Lott should stay in the senate. Meanwhile, Dave Dennis flew back from a family vacation in Colorado to attend the event, adding fuel to the fire that he might seek the nomination for GOP governor in 2003.
Congressman Chip Pickering told the Meridian Star that he would be running for reelection to congress in 2002 and not for governor in 2003. The rumor that he might be running for statewide instead of district-wide office had been circulated of late, not in Republican circles.
Democrats have approached Rod Nixon, former assistant attorney general, to run for office in 2003. Nixon challenged State Auditor Phil Bryant in 1999 and currently serves as Congressional Liaison for the Bureau of Narcotics. Nixon tells the Magnolia Report that he is currently dedicated to his position at the Narcotics Bureau and enjoys his role there.
A recent letter by Stan Flint to the Mississippi Democrat State Executive Committee suggests it is time for Democrats to nominate a black as a statewide candidate, continuing speculation that Mike Espy will be looking to get back into political office.
CORRECTION/MODIFICATION -- In the last Magnolia Report's Neshoba Notes we reported, "Dick Hall settled any speculation that he might run for a higher office by telling a reporter that he would either run for reelection or go on home." It turns out this is NOT what was told to the reporter. A more accurate paraphrase would be, 'I've got three options, either run for governor, run for reelection, or go on home.'
Combining the above correction with speculation of a Nielsen Cochran run for higher office means that in the legislature's desire to create a 'blacker and more Democrat' Central District to enable more strength for certain black lawyers to run for the State Supreme Court, Republicans could see a Hall/Cochran ticket in 2003 for the top two slots.
Upcoming
Note, to get your political event listed in Upcoming, email it to the Magnolia Report.
August 14
Puckett Municipal Special Election
Cruger Alderman Special Election
DeSoto Republican Club Meeting
August 15
Mississippi Leadership Forum Lunch
Hancock County Republican Women's Luncheon
August 16
MSGOP Fundraiser at Majesty of Spain
August 18
Democrat State Executive Committee Meeting
Republican First District Bar-B-Q
August 20
Republican First District Meeting
Musgrove Divorce Completed
August 21
Hinds County Republican Executive Committee Meeting
August 25
Simpson County hosts Nielsen Cochran Event
August 27
Next Magnolia Report Uploaded
Final Word
"How's that for your summer reading?" - Bill Minor's column predicting a Trent Lott run for Governor in 2003.
"[Minor] ought to leave the fiction to John Grisham." - Trent Lott responding to media questions regarding Minor's column.
© Magnolia Political Report 2001 • PO Box 24233 Jackson, Mississippi 39225
FAX 601.355.7885 • scoop@magnoliareport.com
Brian Perry, Editor