Republican political leaders and party supporters gathered at the Marriott in Jackson, to watch the returns and root their candidates to victory. Hours passed and the crowd dwindled, as Mike Hurst, waited for the results, hoping he would be the in-coming attorney general. Shortly before 11 p.m. the winner was called.
"I just called my opponent Jim Hood, our attorney general and I congratulated him on his re-election," said Hurst.
Hurst said he knew he was up against a popular incumbent in Jim Hood. Hood is the only Democrat in a statewide office in Mississippi. But, Hurst sought to prove he has the fire in the belly for the job, touted his experience in prosecuting federal corruption cases and the need to replace career politicians. Mike Hurst.
"While I would have loved to have been given the opportunity to become your attorney general and to accomplish real change, positive change in Mississippi, I will still find other way to do that and give back and I encourage you to do the same," said Hurst.
Nearby at the Kind Edward Hotel, Democrats waited anxiously to support Hood in his bid for re-election to a fourth term.He campaigned on his political party cross-over appeal and the work his office is doing to combat crimes involving technology to victim's rights. Hood told voters his 20-plus years of experience as a prosecutor made him the better choice.
Hood talked about what's next.
"As far as my priorities are going to be is to continue to fight to protect children, dealing with internet issues. Domestic violence, we're making strides there, I think we can continue to do that and you know I'm going to get out in the state and help to work in education," said Hood.
Mike Hurst says he doesn't know what he will do next but he hasn't ruled out another run for office.
