Jackson Jambalaya

Sharon is experienced as a campaign wife and volunteer, but I don't think she has any related work experience.

What qualifications would she run on?

Being both an American and a Mississippian

What JDB said.

And what "related work experience" did Lee Yancey have when he ran for this job? Pushing the agenda of the Mississippi Baptist Nutjobs? That's the kind of "related work experience" this State can do without.

Attorney, tea party supporter and frequent conservative SuperTalk guest host, Russ Latino will is running for state treasurer.

Sharon is experienced as a campaign wife and volunteer, but I don't think she has any related work experience.

What qualifications would she run on?

She has more experience in the political arena than Russ Latino.

I don't think being a frequent guest of Paul Gallo qualifies you for political office. On the contrary, I think Russ is a frequent guest of Paul Gallo BECAUSE he's running for political office. He's a sharp young man, but I think he's setting his sights a little high for his first race. Bill Billingsley

2:37 Russ is that you?

When did experience become a requirement? Read the resume of the President of the United States.

Good point. His resume is as shallow as Latino's.

I believe Lee Yancey is the only possible candidate who has run a successful campaign beating Charles Porter who outspent him about 5 or 6 to one.
Being a Republican elected offical he appears with the Lt.Gov and Congressman Harper from Rankin County, it gives him a edge in primary politics.

As to Yancey v. Latino, what exactly are Yancey's qualifications? God-pimping and firing up the Bob Jones...uh..sorry...Pinelake faithful?

There's a big difference between getting the Six Flags Over Jesus congregation to vote for you, and winning a statewide election.

Good points, all, but premature. The Treasurer's race will be replete with Republican candidates before the filing deadline, and it will be a free for all to see who gets the nomination. I worry a little about third party candidates as well, though, because any of the statewide elections where a candidate doesn't receive a majority gets thrown to the Billy McCoy led House of Representatives (see Jim Herring's blog for a more detailed explanation). Voter discontent plus no incumbent equals better chances for third party candidates, so we may see a bunch of Democrats win those races by having to have them settled in a Democrat-controlled House. Bill Billingsley

Bill would you classify Latino as a Republican or a tea party guy?

So sleeping with a politician trumps sleeping at a Holiday Inn Express? Got it.

So if you sleep at a Holiday Inn with a politician's wife does that make you more or less qualified? I'm trying to get a checklist together to begin checking qualifications of the candidates.

Did I miss something? Which politician is Latino sleeping with?

I hear that Russ is running as a Republican, and I understand everyone's claiming tea party support. I've only met him once but was impressed with him, and he's always sounded good on Gallo. So young, though, and looks younger, which I don't think bodes well for him in a statewide race against experienced candidates. I think he has a bright political future, but he doesn't need to become the Republican Shawn O'Hara and lose every time he runs.

To clarify, Sharon Ross is married to Charlie Ross, a former politician with whom she presumably sleeps. I am good friends with Charlie and Sharon and think Sharon will be great at whatever she decides to do. Although I currently live in Yancey's district, I'm hopeful that by the next election the new lines have been drawn and I won't have a dog in the hunt. However, if Sharon calls for support she'll get it from me even if I'm not in her district. Bill Billingsley

And Mrs Ross's qualifications are (being married to
Charlie)?
Has she worked, made a payroll?

When the next generation starts running for office, one can only pray they are more mature, more responsible and somehow smarter than they were from 1st grade through college.

4:08, in the interest of consistency, how many payrolls did Lee Yancey make before he got elected to that position? How bout Phil Bryant? How many times did Phil have to make payroll? I suspect none, since he worked for the county.

The point is that making a payroll seems to be a poor litmus test for a legislator (see Billy McCoy and Steve Holland).

Hate getting so old that the " children" are now taking charge. It's terrible to have watched them grow up, seen nothing much to commend them, and then have them show up making decisions that affect my life.

I have to agree with Curt. Although it would have been nice to have followed the founders' plans for citizen legislators, we have long since become a nation and a state governed by professional politicians, many of whom have little or no business experience. Fine with me if we make that part of the deal going forward, but don't hold your breath. Remember, it's the best campaigner who wins the election, not always the best candidate. Bill Billingsley

Maybe the younger folks won't continue to deny the handwriting on the wall on programs like Social Security. It.And.Other.Programs.Like.It.Are.Dead.

Thanks for the debt we will inherit and not be able to pay for, all because generations before wanted to pass the political hockey puck and not touch certain programs.

So I'll take them, 1st grade through college 4:56.

Curt, very good points!

This spot in the MS State Senate is incredibly important to Rankin County, but equally important to conservatives across the state. I have known Josh Harkins for almost twenty years watching him grow to be a strong business and family man. He would be an excellent voice for conservatives as we face continued challenges and assault on our way of life. We simply can't elect anyone who might be divisive.

what is "our way of life?"

State Representative Kevin McGee is also talking to people about the Senate seat.

Who is Josh Harkins? Any relation to Gary Harkins?

I would think that Kevin McGee the State Rep from the Rez area would be a leading candidate. The above post seems to say he is testing the waters.

Kevin can run with out an apponent for his current house seat, if he runs against some of those who worked for him he will partially destroy his base of support.

Josh is Gary's son. Gary has been a serious player in GOP politics going back to Fordice in '91. Josh has been running his business and working beside Gary since graduating from State.

Thank goodness Tony Bahou is running now. The "good ole boy" candidates are so overrated!