Commentary
A Waller victory in the Aug. 6 primary would change the dynamics for Hood in general election
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The attorney general has been planning for more than a year to run against Reeves bu
Commentary
Not all statistics back up Reeves’ bold claim about state economy
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The statistic that most makes Reeves’ case is the fact that state revenue collections grew 4.9 percent with growth from sales and income tax revenue paving the way. But compared to the nation as a whole, jobs growth in the state has been slow and other time frames have seen better GDP growth.
Commentary
Poll results showing Mississippians approve of state economy should benefit Reeves – maybe
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Despite most Mississippians being OK with the economy there is still the perception Reeves is in a close race. Waller, Foster and Hood have been pointing out state issues and solutions such as infrastructure improvements and some form of Medicaid expansion.
Commentary
Reeves accuses Hood of gas tax flip-flop, AG says he has to clean up lieutenant governor’s infrastructure mess
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The issue of increasing Mississippi’s gasoline tax, the fourth lowest in the nation, to fix roads and bridges is turning into one of the defining issues of this year’s campaign for governor.
Commentary
Jim Hood loss could position Mississippi Republicans for an era of long-time dominance
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A shutout of statewide Democratic candidates in November could place Mississippi politics in a position similar to where it was for much of its history where one party was so dominant that the general election meant little.
Commentary
Reeves touts his social conservatism, though at times, at odds with social conservatives
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One of the central themes of Reeves’ campaign for governor is that he is going to protect the state from outsiders and their liberal policies. But in terms of passing socially conservative legislation through the Senate, he has often been criticized by fellow conservatives.
Commentary
Governor endorsing contested primary races, but not picking sides in the GOP attorney general campaign
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Spokesman says Bryant not endorsing anyone in the contest between state Treasurer Lynn Fitch, state Rep. Mark Baker and former Madison County supervisor Andy Taggart who are locked in a three-way race for a spot on the November ballot to replace Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood.
Commentary
Reeves, Hood both battle-tested but attorney general has faced tougher election contests
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Hood has faced candidates who were comparable to him in terms of the amount of money to fund a campaign. During the same period, Republicans in statewide races, including Reeves, have faced Democratic opposition with far less cash.
Commentary
Mississippi sole state where popular vote only one factor in winning statewide office
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It’s not clear yet who will defend state in a lawsuit challenging election provisions in the Constitution, but whoever it is will be arguing in favor of language that statements from the time period indicate was placed in the Constitution to ensure African Americans were not elected to statewide office.
Commentary
Reclusive Cochran from 2014 election was an anomaly: ‘He was an icon of a different era’
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With the exception of the 2014 campaign, Cochran is remembered as a senator who had “no fear” of the media and provided the kind of access and transparency that’s rarely seen in politicians today.
Commentary
Reeves’ message to voters – he has state moving in right direction; opponents say there’s still work to be done
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Lieutenant governor, in his eighth year in office, says state is on an upward trajectory while his opponents in the Republican primary are talking about issues and problems they want to solve.
Commentary
Taggart’s AG campaign could be litmus test for Republicans on state flag
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If Andy Taggart does well in the upcoming election, it could embolden fellow Republicans. But if he loses, politicians will view the results as a warning to stay away from changing the controversial flag.
Commentary
Reeves’ Republican foes in governor’s race must find way to overcome his statewide name recognition advantage
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Both Bill Waller Jr. and Rep. Robert Foster are canvassing the state, trying to cut into Reeves’ advantage. But politicians who have run statewide before say it takes money – a lot of money.
Commentary
Grocery tax unpopular, but cutting it hasn’t been winner for politicians
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The majority of Mississippians favor reducing or eliminating the state’s sales tax on groceries but it hasn’t ended well for politicians who have tried.
Commentary
Hood hoping northeast Mississippi will put region over party loyalty again
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In 2008, the region not only voted for Republicans John McCain and Roger Wicker but also Democrat Travis Childers from Booneville, about 30 miles north of Tupelo, and one former GOP official says “northeast Mississippi is still crucial to Republicans being elected statewide in Mississippi.”