Campaign sophistication

I thought it was just me, but I have heard universal disgust over the recent campaigns for statewide offices. Everyone is just glad they are over. There is very little "I told you so," trash talking or even much excitment about the new administration. I guess there will be, but for now, just campaign fatigue.
It is not just the nastiness of these campaigns. Politics has always been mean and nasty. It think a lot of it was just the lack of sophistication of the media and the campaign approaches. Many, if not most, of the campaigns treated voters like they were stupid. The media was shallow. I know media campaigns are designed to create images rather than provide issue information, but I don't even think most of ads did a good job of that. Some execptions included Gov. Haley Barbour, Highway Commissioner Dick Hall and a few legislative races that actually put out some facts to consider. Candidates now are guided by consultants and media experts. For all the money that was spent, I think the candidates were taken and the voters had to suffer the results. But, at least it is over until next spring.

Gary Anderson thanks supporters

Gary Anderson sent out this note about his unsuccessful run for insurance commissioner:

Dear Friend,


There is a saying, “The bravest sight in the world is to see a great man struggling against adversity.”

This makes me think about the great men and women and families who have been struggling with adversity of insurance issues…after the hurricane or after storms.

Those great Mississippians are what this campaign has been about…and why I ran.

The escalating cost of insurance was our primary focus because Mississippians pay some of the highest rates in the nation. We sought the opportunity to lower the cost and make insurance more affordable. We advocated for Mississippians.

In this campaign, we have focused on stopping fraud because it increases insurance rates.

In this campaign, we have talked about ensuring we have insurance policies in “plain English” so people understand what they have paid for.

Some have said that this office impacts as many Mississippians as any office... and it does.

From North Mississippi to the Gulf Coast.

Big families and single parent homes.

People of all races.

While we may have many views regarding the future of the direction of our state, we share a common bond – we all want the best Mississippi to shine through .

I also cannot forget so many people who have helped me, prayed for me, encouraged me, supported me and voted for me.

Thank you so much.
Gary Anderson

Thad Cochran

I was surprised earlier this year when Sen. Thad Cochran said he would seek reelection and started doing a little fund raising. I thought Cochran would be retiring after a long fruitful career. But rumors persist this week that he might have changed his mind and could be retiring after all.
It would be understandable. Since the Senate majority has changed to the Democrats, Cochran lost his chairmanship of Appropriations, a job he felt he should keep as long as he could for the sake of Mississippi. Had he not had that seat after Katrina, Missisisppi would not have gotten the federal aid it received, which was so important to the recovery. It has been invaluable to the state and Cochran understands that.
He maintains power as the ranking minority member, but the role now is greatly diminished.
There have to be personal considerations, too.
The Senate may be the most exclusive club in the world, but life on Capitol Hill is not easy. I don't know how long-serving elected officials deal with the high-pressure lifestyle over the years with everyone pulling from you from all sides. I can understand why he would want to come home.

Speaker's race

The big story from last nights results remains the speaker's race. The rumors are running, as they have for the past three months, that the race is close between Speaker Billy McCoy and challenger Jeff Smith. The results of the election went in McCoy's favor. One House insider told me McCoy has had 65 members "look him in the eye" and tell him they would vote for him. But I suspect the horse trading continues.

McCoy just released this statement a few minutes ago:

Speaker Billy McCoy announced this afternoon that he has achieved the support of more than a majority of the members of the House of Representatives in his quest for re-election to a new four-year term beginning in January, 2008.
In making his statement McCoy released the names of 62 House members who he says have granted him permission to make their names public. In addition he said others have committed to him and in some cases he has not been able to alert them to the publicizing of individual supporters.
"I am deeply humbled by the continuing confidence of my colleagues who have now been elected by citizens across our state," Speaker McCoy said. " Now, it is time for us to plan for the future, dedicate ourselves to finding ways through which we can cooperate to move Mississippi forward, and put behind us any obstacle to doing the best job we can. I look forward to the challenge. Our tent of supporters remains large and open. I invite everyone to join hands as we look ahead."
"Some commitments to me are 'out of pocket' and I refrain from making their names public until they know about it so their names are not on the list." The Speaker said. "I have talked personally with all my supporters in recent days as well as others to whom I invite to sit at the table with us."

Here is the list:

Tracy Arinder
Warner F. McBride
Willie L. Bailey
William "Billy" J. McCoy
Earle S. Banks
America "Chuck" Middleton
Donnie Bell
Bobby Moak
Edward Blackmon, Jr.
Harvey Moss
Billy Broomfield
David W. Myers
Cecil Brown
David Norquist
Kelvin O. Buck
Russ Nowell
Clara Henderson Burnett
Diane C. Peranich
Credell Calhoun
Willie J. Perkins, Sr.
Kimberly Campbell
Jimmy Puckett
Bryant W. Clark
Tommy Reynolds
Alyce Griffin Clarke
Walter L. Robinson
Angela Cockerham
Omeria Scott
Linda F. Coleman
Ferr Smith
Mary H. Coleman
Rufus E. Straughter
J. P. Compretta
Johnny W. Stringer
Dirk Dedeaux
Preston E. Sullivan
Mark DuVall
Sara Richardson Thomas
Blaine "Bo" Eaton
J. Shaun Walley
Tyrone Ellis
Greg Ward
Chuck Espy
J. L. Warren
Bob Evans
Percy W. Watson
James "Jim" Evans
Linda Whittington
George Flaggs, Jr.
Adrienne Wooten
Frances Fredericks
Charles Young
Joe C. Gardner
David Gibbs
Esther M. Harrison
John W. Hines
Steve Holland
Greg Holloway, Sr.
Robert L. Johnson, III
Sherra Hillman Lane
Bennett Malone
John M. Mayo

Gary Anderson II

I am getting the expected response about my comments that race was a factor in the defeat of Gary Anderson by Sen. Mike Chaney in the insurance commissioner's race. Anderson is black; Chaney white. Again, I am not discouting the reaction of voters to the high-profile involvement of trial lawyer Dickie Scruggs in Anderson's campaign. Scruggs' money was needed by Anderson, but I think Scruggs' ego-oriented involvement in this race hurt Anderson. I also think Republican efforts and insurance-backed efforts helped the largely unknown Chaney. But racial voting is still a reality in Mississippi. It cuts both ways. Rep. John Reeves, R-Jackson, who is white, was defeated by a newcomer, Democrat Adrienne Wooten,a young African-American woman. Reeves South Jackson district now is largely African-American. Redistricting and changing demographics doomed Reeves. Reeves is a veteran lawmaker, and while I haven't always agreed with him, strongly backed Jackson, public education and most issues important to urban black voters. Not to take anything away from Ms. Wooten, I believe Reeves fell victim to racial-line voting as did Anderson. Racial voting is a reality. I hope that will change and think it will some day. We just haven't gotten there yet in Mississippi.

Franks' statement

Here is the statement put out today by unsuccessful Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, Jamie Franks:

"I wish Auditor Bryant the best as our next Lt. Governor. He has pledged to support fully funding education every year and I take him at his word he will do so.

"My campaign ran on the issues we felt were most important to the people of our state. I will continue to champion the issues of cutting the sales tax on groceries and maximizing the state’s Medicaid match with federal dollars. I will continue to champion the issues which affect working class families, and I hope to be a voice in the future to bring attention to those issues.

I love my state and will work with all our elected officials and citizens to help move Mississippi forward."

Lester Spell

Agriculture Commissioner Lester Spell overcame the stench of the beef plant to barely win reelection. Democrat Rickey Cole and Constitution Party candidate Paul Leslie Riley couldn't overcome the power of incumbency and the party label.
We have long editorialized that these posts should be appointed. In fact, this post could go away with little real impact on state government. But it shows again that voters just don't pay attention to these down-ticket offices or the performance of those who hold them. I think voters voted for Spell because they knew the name, probably had voted for him before and/or just because he was a Republican.
Spell's missteps have cost taxpayers dearly. If $55 million in losses on the beef plant can't beat an incumbent ag commissioner, I don't know what can. Start naming those buildings at the fairgrounds after him. He is now commissioner for life.

Gary Anderson

The failure of Gary Anderson to be elected insurance commissioner shows barriers remain for black Mississippians seeking statewide office. Anderson defeated Democrat George Dale for the nomination, but lost Tuesday to Republican Mike Chaney, a state senator from Vicksburg with a mediocre record and little statewide name recognition.
Anderson is black; Chaney is white.
Of course, the "R" behind Chaney's name played a big part as did the business money behind him, I am afraid race still played the bigger role.
Mississippi still has a ways to go to elect a statewide elected official. If Anderson can't break that barrier, I don't know who can right now.

Phil Bryant elected

Republican Phil Bryant has been declared winner of the lieutenant govenror's race. Bryant has led this race from the beginning over Democrat Jamie Franks. Franks, a state representative from Mooreville, was not known and when people encountered him in this campaign, he was complaining about Haley Barbour more than talking about himself. Bryant is well liked. He ran as a "nice guy" and he is a nice guy. It comes across. He is sincere. Bryant's rise in politics has been interesting. It wasn't long ago that he was a deputy sheriff in Rankin County, then a legislator. His appointment to the state auditor position by former Gov. Kirk Fordice opened up a career that probably would not have happened otherwise. Such is the luck of politics. His new job will challenge him unlike he has been challenged before in public life. Special interests will come at him from all sides. He inherits a divided Senate. It's a tough job. Bryant was a good state auditor because he is fair and trusted his own instincts. He will do well if he does the same as lieutenant governor.

Dilbert, uh, Delbert elected

Delbert Hosemann has been elected secretary of state over Democrat Rob Smith.
Hosemann's campaign was a bright spot amid all the dirt this year. He got out his message without attacking his opponent. He talked about what he wanted to do. How refereshing.
Hosemann is sincere and qualified. He is a committed Republican, but he also is open minded, fair and understands the non-political role of the office. He will serve all Mississippians well in this office.

Jim Hood elected

The Associated Press called Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood the winner of the AG's race at 8:55. The challenge by Republican Al Hopkins never got off the ground. Hopkins appeared aloof and mean throughout. He ran hard on Hood's hiring supporters as outside counsel for the state, but the issue was confusing and didn't really grab the average voter. Hood's outside counsel lawsuit won $100 million for the state. Carping about attorney's fees is lost on most people. Other than that, Hood is just a good candidate. He comes across sincere, which he is, and relates well to people in all walks of life. Repubs will have a hard time beating him.

Eaves failing failure

I don't know of any Democrat who could have beaten Gov. Haley Barbour. Mike Moore could have given him a competive race, perhaps, but Barbour was riding high from his performace after Katrina and the cascade of economic development announcements.
Democrat John Arthur Eaves had no chance, but even having no chance is no excuse for such a lousy campaign.
Even if you cut him a little slack for pandering to the uninformed on such issues as prayer and immigration, he never defined himself with anything serious. He couldn't even criticize Barbour's special interest ties, which were a big target, without sounding like he was playing politician. Issues were non-existent.
Eaves had some good people working for him who do know politics and do understand the issues. They deserved a better effort from the candidate.

Barbour wins

The Associated Press declared Gov. Haley Barbour as the winner over Democrat John Arthur Eaves Jr. at 8:35 p.m.

Metro legislative races

One political consultant watching the legislative races says early precint returns show Rep. Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, will win reelection and that David Blount appears headed for a win over Sen. Richard White, R-Terry.

Legislative races

A couple of the statewide races are in question and interesting, including commissioner of agriculture and auditor, but the real stakes are in the legislative races. Democrats want to make gains in the Senate with Republican Phil Bryant likely to win the lieutenant governor's slot. The big stakes are in the House, where the speaker's race will be decided between Democratic Speaker Billy McCoy and challenger Rep. Jeff Smith, who is "friendly" with Repblicans. McCoy is considered ahead, but several races hold the key. Watch these districts: 1, 2, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 34, 45, 66, 71, 86, 99 and 105.

Metro legislative races

There are three hot legislative races in the metro area that bear watching. Rep. Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, is opposed by Republican Cory Wilson in House District 66. Rep. John Reeves, R-Jackson, is opposed by Democrat Andrienne Wooten in House District 71. And, Sen. Richard White, R-Terry, is opposed by Democrat David Blount in Senate District 29. White appears in the most trouble from Blount. White barely won the last time. It was close and decided in a challenge. White's opposition to several education issues hurt him in the strong public school district. Blount is smart, committed and has worked hard. This election will say much about this district, whether the "R" behind the name means more than the man, the facts or the record.

Dirtiest campaign

This has been a mean political season, but the meanest and most unfair campaign has to be Democrat Rudy Warnock's attacks on incumbent Republican Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall. Accusing Hall of using the MDOT helicopter, hiring illegal immigrants, wasting money on office rennovations and raising his own pay are all just flat out political lies and misrepresentations. Warnock seems like a bright young man so I don't know why he felt he had to run such a stinker of a campaign. I don't know why any political candidate feels like he or she has to play such games. It is insulting to voters.