Jackson Free Press

Young Democrats of Mississippi President Kenneth Grigsby, 32, is an attorney at Phelps Dunbar who's been living in the Jackson area for five and a half years. The Tupelo native and Ole Miss graduate joins his wife, Kathleen, 29, and 3-year-old daughter, Taylor, as some of the little blue Democratic specks living in Madison—though Grigsby says there may be more "specks" in Madison than most people think.

Grigsby recently helped host the Young Democrats of America national conference at the Marriott Hotel, in downtown Jackson. Grigsby said the overall mood at the conference was one of optimism, bolstered perhaps by the party's nationwide trouncing of Republicans in the national elections.

"The timing couldn't have been better. Three months ago, we would not have thought we would be enjoying this kind of success," Grigsby said, referring to the Democrats' takeover of both houses of the U.S. Congress.

"Bush has been extraordinarily good for Democrats all over the country. We've been talking horizontal politics for years. 'Do we want to go left, do we want to go right?' I think what the country really wants is some vertical politics now as in 'What's the best thing for my country, children and my family?' Republicans weren't really satisfying those needs. That, and the war is an abject failure. I think Republicans understand that the country wants to go in a very different direction," Grigsby said.

National Democrats are considerably emboldened by the elections, with some considering it a mandate to remove Bush from office. Democratic organizations like afterdowningstreet.org are looking to capitalize on the upcoming Human Rights Day by organizing "Human Rights and Impeachment Day" rallies all over the country on Dec. 10, but Grigsby said that Democrats need to stay focused on meeting the needs of frustrated voters. The Young Democrats conference stressed the importance of Democrats keeping their ears tuned to the needs of the public.

"We've had remarkable success, but to be fair, if Democrats don't perform and listen to what voters need, then we'll be out in two years," Grigsby said. "We have a responsibility now that we're in the majority to push forward the things that voters want to do, whether it's a minimum-wage increase, access to health care or finding an end—or a solution to the war. We've got a responsibility, and we have to honor it," Grigsby said.

Previous Comments

ID

82549

Comment

Mr. Grigsby would be an excellent candidate for office. We Democrats need a nominee to run next year against incumbent treasurer tate reeves , a barbour clone,age 32 and a nominee for the state auditor post, which will be vacated by phil bryant. bill clinton was 32 when he was elected arkansas attorney general and 34 when he became governor.

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-12-06T17:38:17-06:00

ID

82550

Comment

I am elated to see Ken as the Jacksonian! He does a great deal for the Young Dems of Mississippi and other organizations in which he is a member. From attending the Young Dems meeting last month, it was one of the best they have ever had and Ken is a HUGE reason why nationals decided to come back to Mississippi after 12 years. Great job JFP.

Author

Will Jemison

Date

2006-12-06T20:23:06-06:00

ID

82551

Comment

Good point, chimneyville. Not only that, but if I'm not mistaken, Kenneth Grigsby is in District 3... Is Phil Bryant really vacating the state auditor post? My understanding was that he hadn't decided whether or not to do that yet. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-12-07T04:46:58-06:00

ID

82552

Comment

Hats OFF to Kenneth for his work with the Young Dems of Mississippi! I had the pleasure of meeting him and he is definitely a young brother with his head on straight. It is always so refreshing to meet young people with a vision and and are seeking a place "to rest my leaver so that I can move the world."

Author

justjess

Date

2006-12-11T17:01:18-06:00