I had the great pleasure of being a first time attendee to the Great Fox Hunt in Benton yesterday (4/20). Billed to me by my host as a mini-Neshoba Founder’s Day, it certainly had more of a party atmosphere. In addition to being in Haley’s backyard, it was a political scene to behold.
Before the politics was the food. Conservatively, about two dozen smoked pigs, several gallons of oysters (raw, fried and, of course, rocky mountain), what had to be several hundred gallons of chittlins, some catfish, smoked sausage and plenty of beer were available for the taking for the 500 or so attendees. It was quite the spread, and the neat thing is that these events go on all over the state.
Several top Republican candidates were stumping. Charles Barbour (nephew of Haley), candidate for PSC, was there. Haley spoke to a revved up crowd. Come to think of it, I think all of the Barbours were there. Delbert Hoseman, R candidate for Secretary of State, was also working the crowd. State Treasurer Tate Reeves was in the crowd.
I remain fascinated with the Bryant vs. Ross race (or Ross vs. Bryant). Both candidates were in their element working the crowd and there were about equal numbers of stickers on supporters (of course, everyone had on a Haley Barbour sticker). After being introduced to several local folks and putting MississippiPolitics in context, I had Ross supporters ask me why my articles was so pro-Bryant. I had Bryant supporters ask me why my articles were so pro-Ross. I guess that means I am doing an OK job. All I know is that this is going to be a fantastic campaign, if it is kept reasonably clean. At the end of the day, it is going to be a good and historic exercise for the Republican party.
In the brief time that I spent with both candidates, both said they were executing well and had their campaign organizations where they wanted them. Both are raising money at a feverish pace. Both camps are prepping for a debate schedule/format to be determined.
We left early in the political speeches, but Haley Barbour spoke and was to be followed by Lt. Governor Tuck, Charlie Ross, Phil Bryant and Charles Barbour.
If you like Mississippi politics, it’s going to be a fun 6 months.
Magnolia Tribune
