Mississippi Republicans are banding together to show a united front as the Fall election campaign season swings into high gear. MPB's Desare Frazier reports.
It's standing room only at a popular barbecue spot in Madison, where Republicans are gathered. Governor Phil Bryant is revving up candidates and voters for the November 5th election.
"We are all endorsing. We are supporting. We are all hugging. We're all giving money to one another. We're going to make sure this team crosses the finish line in November," said Bryant.
All eight candidates for statewide office are here, including those running for governor, secretary of state and attorney general. Lt. Governor Tate Reeves who is running for governor talked about being fiscally conservative.
"Our number one priority must be job creation, bringing better and higher paying jobs to our state. Jim Hood and his Liberal Democratic allies believe that our tax cuts have actually hurt our economy. We believe no governmental entity knows how to spend your money better than you do," said Reeves.
Reeves and Bryant tout increased high school graduation rates, improvements in third grade reading and 4th grade math. Still there are some differences among candidates. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, candidate for Lt. governor, is open to some form of Medicaid expansion to save hospitals. Reeves is adamantly opposed to that. Across the aisle, Democratic State Party Chair Bobby Moak says, Republicans need a united front because Attorney General Jim Hood is poised to become governor. He says voters are concerned about education, healthcare and infrastructure.
"We've got the best shot at the governor's chair that we've had in a long, long time and they know it and the governor usually pulls with him other folks into office," said Moak.
Moak says Democrats will gather this weekend at their annual dinner in Tunica, to rally their base.
