The Clarion-Ledger Editorial, 11/5/8
Mississippians turned out in droves to cast their ballots on Tuesday, bringing old and new diverse faces to U.S. House, Senate, and congressional and state Supreme Court seats.
The shocking race was the upset of state Supreme Court Chief Justice Jim Smith by Crystal Springs lawyer Jim Kitchens. He apparently rode a wave of resentment over the perception that the current court is tilted toward business, that the average citizen has virtually no voice on the court.
Surprising – but gratifying – was the election in her own right of incumbent Justice Ann Hannaford Lamar who was appointed and brings diversity as the only female justice now serving.
Surprises continued in the high court races with incumbent Justice Chuck Easley ousted by Appeals Court Judge David Chandler, apparently by north Mississippians embarrassed by the justice’s deplorable antics. And Chancery Judge Bubba Pierce beat incumbent Justice Oliver Diaz Jr.
Magnolia Tribune
