Women make inroads in statewide races

Women make inroads in statewide races

Lynn Fitch and Cindy Hyde-Smith joined an exclusive club Tuesday, becoming the fifth and sixth women elected to statewide office in Mississippi history.

And for the first time in Mississippi history, women will hold two of the eight statewide offices.

In the race for treasurer, Republican state Personnel Board Director Fitch, 50, of Madison defeated Democrat Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran, 55, and Reform Party candidate Shawn O’Hara, according to unofficial results in Tuesday’s general election.

Fitch will succeed Republican Tate Reeves, who handily defeated Reform Party candidate Tracella Lou O’Hara in the race for lieutenant governor. The treasurer’s salary is $90,000.

Clarion Ledger
10/9/11