Coast businessman eyes Governor’s Mansion
He recently formed a political action committee – Dave Dennis for Governor – and has been in the process of hiring staff.
While he said he is not ready to make a formal announcement, at this point the surprise would come if Dennis does not seek the Governor’s Mansion.
Earlier this month he was one of 29 invitees to a conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, conducted by the Republican Governors Association for potential gubernatorial candidates.
He received instruction from Barbour, who is head of the group, as well as Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and others.
“If that does not get your blood flowing, you are in trouble,” Dennis said.
Dennis has never run for political office. He and his wife operate a company that does subcontracting work on business operations ranging from schools and hospitals to casinos and factories.
But he has been involved in the state Republican Party for years. Former Gov. Kirk Fordice announced his plans to seek a second term in 1995 in the Dennises’ Gulfport home.
“I truly believe Mississippi’s best days are ahead, but we need decisive, conservative leadership…,” Dennis said. “We need to maintain the conservative leadership we have enjoyed.”
Bobby Harrison
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal
8/23/9
Magnolia Tribune
