Salter – Don’t underestimate DuPree
STARKVILLE — Perhaps it’s a matter of becoming jaded. Perhaps it’s a healthy dose of cynicism. Or perhaps it’s just a review of prior elections in which the guy with the most campaign cash usually wins.
But this writer has twice now made the mistake of underestimating the ability of Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree’s campaign to overcome superior campaign finances and a larger campaign staff — and it’s not a mistake that should be repeated. A tip of the hat to DuPree’s campaign manager, Sam Hall, and the rest of the DuPree organization in winning the Democratic nomination for governor.
DuPree made history on two fronts in his Democratic second primary race with Clarksdale attorney Bill Luckett. First, DuPree became the first African-American nominee of a major political party for governor since reconstruction. Second, Luckett is one of the rare politicians to have a decided advantage in campaign resources and lose an election.
Sud Salter
8/28/11
