Two high-profile DeSoto County Republicans are mulling a bid to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee, who was laid to rest in Tupelo Monday after succumbing to a battle with brain cancer last week.
Longtime Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson, a Republican, who was first elected to serve as mayor of the DeSoto County seat in 2005 and fellow Republican state Senator David Parker, R-Olive Branch are both said to be considering a run for the U.S. House of Representatives District 1 post.
“I guess the word is traveling fast,” said Johnson when asked if he had plans to run for Congress. “I am open to exploring the idea. In the last week, I have had people from all across the state ask me to do so. I am making phone calls and seeing if this is what I want to do. I am seriously thinking about it.”…
…Parker is an Olive Branch optometrist with clinics in Olive Branch and Horn Lake and was elected to serve state Senate District 19 in 2012. He is currently a candidate for the newly created state Senate District 2.
“I’m praying about it and giving it consideration,” Parker said from Jackson on Wednesday. “I am honored that people are considering me for the position. It’s a pretty big decision that one doesn’t make in a hurry.”
Desoto Times Tribune
2/12/15
Magnolia Tribune
