Jackson Free Press

The Jackson Free Press urges everyone to go to the polls today and vote in state and county elections. Polls are open until 7 p.m. Following are the JFP's endorsements in races where we prefer one candidate to the other (which is slightly different from the print version. We dropped our endorsement of David Blount, and added one of Dick Hall due to the tone of campaign ads.)

State Auditor: Mike Sumrall - lost
Transportation Commissioner: Dick Hall - won
Insurance Commissioner: Gary Anderson - lost
Public Service Commissioner: Lynn Posey - won (right?)
Secretary of State: Rob Smith - lost
Agriculture Commissioner: Rickey Cole - lost
Hinds County Supervisor, District 1: Robert Graham - won
House, District 66: Cecil Brown - won
House, District 71: John Reeves - lost

Previous Comments

ID

96682

Comment

I'm transferring a question I asked on another thread: To all that have already voted, what does the turnout look like? I voted at my precinct around 7:15-7:20 and I was #22. A few of you have already reported, but I want to hear from others who have voted.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T11:35:30-06:00

ID

96683

Comment

low when i voted

Author

NewJackson

Date

2007-11-06T12:04:49-06:00

ID

96684

Comment

I got to the polls around 7:04, and there was already a line formed. They were probably people on their way to work. My precinct usually has a pretty good turnout anyway.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-11-06T13:07:30-06:00

ID

96685

Comment

I voted in Ridgeland this morning. We had multiracial good attendance. I went in with my check stuck out and asked where is my ballot? I voted, pumped my check a couple of times with my fists and said yeah the time is coming. Folks started grabbing their purses, canes, wallets and dialing numbers on their cell phones. I don't know what that was about, so I hurriedly went to my truck and left. I'm voting again this evening under my assumed name.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-06T14:34:00-06:00

ID

96686

Comment

Your check, eh? Who knew

Author

Puck

Date

2007-11-06T14:35:30-06:00

ID

96687

Comment

I meant chest. Checks are for the other side, Puc.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-06T14:37:13-06:00

ID

96688

Comment

I was #16 at 7:15am in Clinton. Probably will be a good day, overall.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-11-06T14:45:18-06:00

ID

96689

Comment

I know, I know.... but you never know :)

Author

Puck

Date

2007-11-06T14:54:06-06:00

ID

96690

Comment

Interesting enough my mom's presinct in south Jackson (Forest Hill Methodist) and there was a problem. No one was there at 7:30. She waited and waited with the rest of the people - turn out seemed to be good though. I went at lunch to St. James and there was a steady stream of people, looked good.

Author

Puck

Date

2007-11-06T14:55:47-06:00

ID

96691

Comment

#72 when I voted in Clinton. That was a little after 8.

Author

Ex

Date

2007-11-06T15:02:06-06:00

ID

96692

Comment

I did hear that over 800K are expected to vote statewide, which would make it the second-largest amount of voters in a non-presidential election.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T16:47:48-06:00

ID

96693

Comment

Early returns coming in show the Democrats have substantial leads. Eaves is leading Barbour 84-16%. Robert Smith has an 88-12% lead over Delbert Hosemann for Secretary of State. Of course, this is very early, so expect these numbers to change.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T19:52:20-06:00

ID

96694

Comment

Yes, it's quite early. WAPT shows 0% reporting, so I guess they had to round down.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-11-06T19:57:31-06:00

ID

96695

Comment

Now Barbour is leading 61-39%.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T20:03:42-06:00

ID

96696

Comment

New numbers: Governor: Barbour leads Eaves 62-38% Lt. Governor: Bryant over Franks 63-37% Secretary of State: Hosemann over Smith 58-42% Attorney General: Hood over Hopkins 56-44% Insurance Commissioner: Chaney over Anderson 60-40% State Auditor: Pickering over Sumrall

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T20:21:45-06:00

ID

96697

Comment

8:30 numbers: Barbour 60% Eaves 40% (9% reporting) Bryant 60% Franks 40% Hosemann 62% Smith 38% Hood 57% Hopkins 43% Chaney 61% Anderson 39% Spell 47%, Cole 37%, Riley 16% Pickering 59, Sumrall 41% (8% reporting)

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T20:34:05-06:00

ID

96698

Comment

Forgot about Reeves over O'Hara 65-35 in the State Auditor's race.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T20:35:25-06:00

ID

96699

Comment

You're doing a great job, Golden! I have such election fatigue this time that I have little interest in blogging. But JoAnne did just serve me a tall gin-and-tonic, so maybe I'll think of a couple witty comments before it's all said and done. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-06T20:38:13-06:00

ID

96700

Comment

The AP is now declaring Barbour the winner. Thanks, Donna. I need to get paid for this!

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T20:41:11-06:00

ID

96701

Comment

So, the new southern strategy didn't work, eh? Now there's a surprise.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-06T20:48:45-06:00

ID

96702

Comment

BTW, I just saw an e-mail buried in my spam that said that Rob Smith ran on anti-immigrant platform around the state, too. Sigh.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-06T20:49:42-06:00

ID

96703

Comment

As of 8:50 pm: Dick Hall is leading 63-37% over Warnock for central MS transportation commissioner. Barbour leads Eaves 57-43 (19% reporting). Chaney leads 61-37 (8% reporting) over Gary Anderson. Charles Barbour is leading Posey 48-43 for central district PSC.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T20:51:46-06:00

ID

96704

Comment

A few intriguing things going on beyond the predictable walloping of the new southern strategists ... The trend in the agriculture race has Spell leading, but under 50 percent, thanks to that Constitution Party guy ... that means it goes to the Legislature ... Speaking of, Sid Salter is blogging that the Dems are lining up to far to take more seats in the House and the Senate ... Good for Dick Hall ... Warnock has really turned me off ...

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-06T21:06:19-06:00

ID

96705

Comment

Sad about Gary Anderson ... but Mike Chaney does strike me as one of the better Republicans in the state, so there's that ...

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-06T21:07:22-06:00

ID

96706

Comment

Jim Hood wins ...

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-06T21:09:15-06:00

ID

96707

Comment

donna, Mike Chaney is not one the better repubs in the state!

Author

jd

Date

2007-11-06T21:14:16-06:00

ID

96708

Comment

Well of interest is that it isn't a straight party line vote, assuming Hood wins. I'm glad Delbert won-I've known the guy a while (business dealings) and he makes an effort at making a fair deal, so beyond the politics of him being Republican I think the people of Mississippi will be well served.

Author

GLewis

Date

2007-11-06T21:33:16-06:00

ID

96709

Comment

AP is now declaring Mike Chaney the winner in the insurance commissioner race.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T21:44:30-06:00

ID

96710

Comment

I will admit now that one of Delbert's guys called me wanting to convince the JFP that he was more progressive than his campaign indicated and asking for advice on how to communicate it to the public. I hope that's true. I didn't talk to them; I gave the message to Adam, but I don't give campaign consultation, beyond what I say in public, as it were. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-06T21:47:25-06:00

ID

96711

Comment

The AP is also declaring Phil Bryant the winner over Jamie Franks in the lieutenant governor's race. The AP is also declaring Jim Hood the winner in the attorney general's race.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T21:48:38-06:00

ID

96712

Comment

Interesting developments ... It seems that the Legislature is still trending more Democratic ... but Gloria Williamson may be in trouble in Neshoba County ... Dick Hall pulled back ahead of Rudy Warnock (yea) ... John Reeves may be headed to the showers ... David Blount is pulling it off; I hope he announces his new immigrant plan post-haste ... Charles Barbour looks like he's headed for home empty-handed ... Lester Spell still under 50 percent last time I looked Too bad about Gary Anderson; that one's a disappointment, but not unexpected... Time for the state Democratic Party to rethink it's strategy ... if they didn't believe it before, they should now ...

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-06T22:18:12-06:00

ID

96713

Comment

WLBT just cut away in the middle of Eaves' closing prayer. ... Did y'all see Socrates Garrett behind Barbour; there was something symbolic about Barbour completely covering him up to the point that you couldn't see him ... boy, was the rebel part of the flag furled perfectly for the cameras ... Sid Salter is saying that Bryant was drawing more votes than Barbour ... Cecil Brown won big, and with no anti-immigrant rhetoric; maybe it was that Cory Wilson mailer pointing out his endorsement by the "ultra-liberal Jackson Free Press, hardy, har, har ...

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-06T22:31:49-06:00

ID

96714

Comment

Charles Barbour is pulling close to Lynn Posey ... Gloria Williamson is dropping percentage points; that one is very sad; Barbour put a lot of effort into her defeat; you wonder why you can't get more good people in office ... Eaves is just preaching, and it's getting really old now ... sure am glad this election is over ... Jim Hood is now the strongest Democrat in the state? ... and he didn't veer far from the high road to get there ... wasn't Al Hopkins the most awful candidate EVER; where did they find that guy? ...

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-06T22:46:47-06:00

ID

96715

Comment

Funny that the networks are signing off with no real talk of how many seats Dems could be gaining in Legislature; seems like the actual "news" of the night ... Blount is leading by only about 600 votes; that's where the real prayer is probably happening about those last 14 precincts ... are they Byram? ...

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-06T22:50:02-06:00

ID

96716

Comment

Wow, Reeves went down. Hate to see him go. He tried to do a lot for Jackson. Any other time, Wootten would've received my vote (if I lived in that district, that is), but I have no problem with her being there. In fact, I hope she will do even more than what Reeves did.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-11-06T23:47:33-06:00

ID

96717

Comment

I was saddened, but also not surprised by Anderson's defeat. A defeat that was the result of racism and and another poor, uninspiring campaign effort by Mr. Anderson. If Gary lives in Jackson, perhaps he can be persuaded to pursue a more local office, like mayor of Jackson in 2009. Jackson REALLY needs a mayor with some common sense who understands fiscal responsibility. I voted a split ticket and overall I'm pleased with these results, especially Barbour, Bryant, Hood, Hall and Hoseman, all of whom I predicted would win. I was really surprised that Spell retained his seat. I voted for Cole and I thought there was enough beef plant anger to kick Spell out on his toucas.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-11-07T06:03:33-06:00

ID

96718

Comment

"A defeat that was the result of racism" Wow. Really????

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-11-07T07:08:28-06:00

ID

96719

Comment

I did not vote for him was the money that was backing him.

Author

malt

Date

2007-11-07T08:26:45-06:00

ID

96720

Comment

"and another poor, uninspiring campaign effort by Mr. Anderson" I agree with that statement. In fact, I had no clue what his race was until I went back to look.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-11-07T08:28:13-06:00

ID

96721

Comment

1). I think Mayor of Jackson would be an excellent office for Gary Anderson. 2). I don't think the Democrats are pciking-up very many seats, Donna. They're picking-up one in the Senate, but it will be in name only. In actuality, the Senate will be more conservative than the last. In the House, the #s look to be the same as the previous House. However, gone are McCoy's top Lts. Franks and Cummings. Even if he survives Jeff Smith, McCoy's leaderhsip team won't be as strong. Cecil becomes even more important to him.

Author

Droite

Date

2007-11-07T09:02:34-06:00

ID

96722

Comment

I stopped keeping track last night, Droite. I was half-hearted about the whole thing anyway as everyone knows. Anyone seen final numbers on House/Senate? I'm just now getting in front of the news. I don't think Anderson's defeat was the result of racism (as it was against Reeves, no doubt). Chaney, frankly, was a strong candidate. I mean, read his JFP interview. I hear a lot of folks say that Anderson should drop back and run for mayor now when the opportunity presents itself.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-07T09:53:28-06:00

ID

96723

Comment

Well, I repeal my racism charge, as it came more from my own disappointment and anger that we still can't get an African-American elected at the statewide level in 2007. I was hopeful that Gary could beat the odds. I admitted earlier that he ran a weak campaign coming out of the Democratic primary and quite frankly Chaney ran an effective campaign and drove home the idea that big money trial attorneys like Dickie Scruggs were backing Anderson for their own purposes.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-11-07T11:44:25-06:00

ID

96724

Comment

Dickie Scruggs money didn't matter, Jeff. Money has to come from somewhere. Where did Chaney come from? I don't see any reason to doubt racism played a roll and role here, likely the main role. Anderson could have pulled his britches off and ran across Mississippi screaming his qualifications, credentials and pledge and he still would have lost against any republican in this race. Delusion doesn't help us here. I hope we can overcome some day. History is on the side of racism on this. There has to always be consultation with history to see the present and future clearly. Lest ye be fooled or become irrational. Hasn't research, honest investigation and findings already proven this to be true.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-07T11:57:12-06:00

ID

96725

Comment

Thanks for all the updates, golden. I had a bad case of election burnout and went to bed at 9:30 which is soooooo unlike me.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-11-07T13:31:47-06:00

ID

96726

Comment

Ray, Anderson's #s basically mirror those of every other race. The Republican Party had 14 point coattails this year (someone forgot to tell Al Hopkins). Crying racism in an instance like this is crying wolf. Save it for real racism.

Author

Droite

Date

2007-11-07T13:36:06-06:00

ID

96727

Comment

Droite, I'm not shallow. I understand the coattail effect. But I also understand Mississippi and Mississippians. Once again, I know too well the errors that occur in judgement when history and race are ignored in this country and Mississippi.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-07T13:49:33-06:00

ID

96728

Comment

Droite, I should add, Anderson had 3 things going against him this time, race and party, which we knew about; and thirdly the fact that many prominent and hungry or opportunistic blacks were offered some gold dust and accepted it to turn on him and the Democratic party. We'll see if they actually get it. Ronald Reagan or Pagan as I call him fooled Ralph Albernathy into thinking some gold dust or gold was coming his way too. As soon as his appearance served its short purpose Reagan never spoke to or acknowledged his existence again.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-07T14:02:15-06:00

ID

96729

Comment

Ray Carter, you must remember that you are not singing to the choir and if so, there are new members. Poverty has not only wrecked many Blacks folks; it has also wrecked many poor Whites whose only claim is racial superiority. (white skin). Some suggestions for research on these issues are: Dr. James Silvers- MS The Closed Society: W.D. Cash - The Mind of the South: Ralph McGill - The South and The Southerner: W.E. B. DuBois - The Souls of Black Folks: Ralf Ellison - The Invisable Man; and, Michael Harrington - The Other America. One of the classic analysis of racism, prejudice and discrimination is Gordon W. Alport's classic - The Nature of Prejudice. This discusion will only improve with input from those who have invested time and energy for a greater understanding and with those who have done the research for a more indept discharge of the issues.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-11-07T14:25:27-06:00

ID

96730

Comment

Thanks Justjess. I have Closed Society, the Nature of Prejudice, the Invisible Man, and the Souls of Black folks in my libraray at home. I'll get the rest of them. Some of these people who took the gold or gold dust broke my heart. We'll see if these republicans are the Dixiecrats of old. I'm not surprised they took Mississippi. My surprise would be if they ever lost it. Maybe they'll fool us and look out for the best interest of EVERYONE. I hope this is what those Blacks who took the gold or gold dust insisted on before selling or loaning their souls to the detriment of black folks. Otherwise, our tenuous and shaky existence has suffered another blow. Can you say, we're screwed!

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-07T15:00:56-06:00

ID

96731

Comment

S C R E W E D !!!!!!!!!!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-11-08T11:05:52-06:00