The Replacements

Today are the Special Election runoffs to fill the unexpired terms of Sen. Merle Flowers and Rep. Tommy Woods.

In SD 19, Dr. David Parker looks to have the momentum after finishing at the top of the vote count in the first round of balloting and having picked up an endorsement along with campaign helpers from third place finisher Kevin Blackwell.

Parker is facing freshman Rep. Pat Nelson. Nelson’s best known in Capitol circles for his stance on charter schools.

You can refresh yourself on this race here.

The HD 52 runoff pits first place finisher Bill Kinkade against Jeremy Bryan. This race continues to receive very little coverage.

Both SD 19 and HD 52 are safe Republican seats.

Another special election looms now in HD 59 with the resignation of Rep. Kevin McGee.

Word on the street is that Bradley Lum will throw his hat in the ring. Lum would be an early front runner if indeed he does enter the race as he is an emerging figure in Metro political circles.

Lum attended high school in the Metro area and earned three letters as an Ole Miss baseball player. He was a teacher and coach at Brandon High School as well as at Hinds Community College where he continued coaching baseball.

Lum then went to Mississippi College School of Law. In August, he became President and Managing Partner of a local advisement firm catering to professional athletes and entertainers.

Once Governor Phil Bryant sets the Special Election date and qualifying deadlines are announced, I’m sure others will emerge to seek this seat as well.