Jackson Jambalaya

Why not list the judges names in alphabetical order? Some are going to say you are biased for Southern....

If he is SMART, he is!

Who cares if he is for Southernor not? This is a poll, not a ballot.

That's "SouthernEr" retard.

No, it was meant to be Southern "or". I hit the enter key too soon, a-hole.

Looks like someone alerted Priester's camp to pad the poll.

Who is Howard Brown and is he related to the alderman in Canton who is related to Ike Brown? Just asking.

Sure hope this poll holds for the actual voting. Will Longwitz is sure the man for Madison County. nwm

10:11- According to his website, he's a member of the Madison County Democratic Executive Committee. I'm not sure who he's related to.

http://www.griffinlitigation.com/Firm%20Info/Lawyers/1025538.aspx

Is Howard Brown still a member of the Democratic Executive Committee for Madison County? I thought these races are nonpartisan.

Looks like the Longwitz email paid off.

Longwitz doesn't even practice in Madison County. He moved here from the coast to run for judge. This is just a stepping stone for him to move on to bigger and better things. I don't even think he really cares; except to pad his resume'

Surprising how few have voted for ratcliff, given the number of people from NE Jackson that read JJ

If the other three candidates have the legal knowledge that Mr. Brown has, I shed tears for Madison County.

I'd rather have someone that views the job as a stepping stone than someone who views it as a life raft.

What about one that files a suit against The City of Ridgeland ? Check on that would ya? Civil Liberties huh!!!!

2:29- Will Longwitz has had his law practice in Madison County longer than any other candidate. While he was a federal prosecutor he was detailed to Haley Barbour's office to work on the recovery after Katrina. That is why he was down on the coast. He and his wife live in Madison with their daughters. Will was raised in Mississippi and his wife was raised in Madison. He is very involved in the community and he is a great candidate for this office. I believe he will be a fair and hardworking judge for all of us.

Howard Brown is a nice man. No idea why he is running for this office, but he really is a nice person. Perhaps he wants to go out on his own and start his own practice.

Who is Brent Southern? Does anyone know about him?

3:40 I have the same question about all of the candidates in the Hinds Co race. I know nothing about any of them. I see Melvin Priester's signs everywhere.

Really, just exactly where is Will's office and does he have a listed phone number? Is he in a office building? As far as suggesting the Haley Barbour/republican deal I simply refer to the law suit Will filed against Ridgeland! Real Republican!

Why did he leave Washington? Don't get me started?

Call Haley and ask what he thinks of Will. You really don't want to infer that he isn't a Republican. He's worked with and for Republicans his entire career.
The filing you tirelessly keep alluding to was a client hired Will, as an attorney. Will did not initiate the action personally. It was an issue of a private citizen wanting to put a yard sign in his own front yard. That in and of itself is not a Republican or Democratic issue- it is a Constitutional issue. Free political speech has long been protected in this country, as is the Constitution, and if you suggest otherwise, I'm doubting you've ever been involved in the Republican party either.

3:46: Melvin is quite liked by the white establishment in Jackson. No idea what anyone else thinks of him.

I was w/ Haley recently. What you are inferring is legal "crap"! It is also constitutional to burn the American flag and have an abortion! But I don't believe so! Right is Right and wrong is wrong.
That was Will doing the TV interview right? Yes, I am a republican but one that calls "BS" on things that matter (like principles). He did not have to take that case and we would not have the cities of Ridgeland and Madison littered w/ campaign signs!

Gosh, I almost forgot where is will's office ? Couldn't find his number in the phone book? Appreciate you answering my questions since you know this guy so well.

I would've taken that case. That law smacked more of incumbent protection for Gene, Mary and the rest of their King's Men. Incumbents LOVE laws regulating political signs. I am against McCain-Feingold and against that law. We are talking about signs that are temporary in duration.

Now if you want to strengthen the penalties for not removing then quickly, I'm in total agreement with you as well.

4:29 The Supreme Court settled the issue of political free speech decades ago. If you have a problem with yard signs, you could start by removing the ones your candidate has placed in the yards of people who haven't even been asked for their permission. Talk about litter.
Or you could start talking about some of the principled decisions and cases your candidate has dealt with over the years. Except... there aren't any.

KF I am in total agreement! I believe the signs should all come down the day after the election, but this is America! If I want to put a yard sign on MY property, who is anyone to tell me I can't?
I went to Russia. They didn't have any signs there. You know why? They don't have any choices there, either. I'll stay in America.

Southern seems nice enough.

Seriously researching Madison Co. Court candidates. Ratcliff seems to have 20 years legal experience. Only thing I can find on Longwitz is a case against City of Ridgeland representing someone wanting to put up a Obama sign. What's the deal?

20 years of title insurance, and he's a debt collector? Nice. In many states you don't even have to be an attorney to do these things. Why does that qualify anyone to be a judge?

Fact : Ratcliff has over 1500 (hundred) open litigation cases filed in the State Courts right now! I believe your guy may have done 3 or so consisting of divorce, free speech, employment discrimination. Sounds real conservative doesn't it! The county also hasn't taken down any of Ratcliffs signs off the right of way either! Where are you getting your info.? What ya smoking ?

It's admirable to take a case defending someones political free speech, but possibly Longwitz needed the business! Otherwise why would he sue a city in the County he desires to be judge. His "Judgement" concerns me.

Barbara Bluntson clearly has the most experience pertaining to this judgeship. She is the Chief Prosecutor for the City of Jackson and has 16 years of practice under her belt. She prosecutes the same types of cases that she will hear as a judge in Madison County. No other candidate can say he has prosecuted misdemeanor cases. She has also served as a public defender and a prosecutor in youth court, which I think is especially important given the fact that this judgeship also serves as the youth court judge. Barbara Bluntson is what Madison County needs, clearly!

A large part of county court deals w/ collections, replevin's, evictions, and real estate. Look at the docket! That is precisely why Ratcliff is qualified.

Where is Will's qualification's ?

I don't believe any other candidate gets close to Ratcliff's experience. Investigate yourself, don't just pass along what someone told you. This election is important!

Frank Blunton's daughter for judge?

HELL FRIGGIN NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I can see it now: Let Frank and Barb do to Madison County what they did to Jackson.

Is she his daughter??? I thought she was married to his son?

That's politically mature of you - hold an individual responsible for your likes or dislikes of someone else. This is precisely why Barbara Bluntson would make an excellent judge - at least folks won't be judged based on who they are or who their folks are!!

Yes! Vote for Bluntson- she has done such an excellent job fighting crime in Jackson she doesn't even want to live there herself!

Barbara is a fine attorney, very competent, and she knows her criminal law and procedure. i can't say that for the others in the race.

If all of you spent more time promoting your own candidates, and less time harassing others, you might find your outcome more positive. But whatever floats your boat.

Kingfish isn't a big fan of anyone associated with Bluntson. I don't know if Barbara is a daughter or daughter in law.

Good observation by the person who pointed it out: where, oh where, is Mr. Longwitz "office"? Does he have brick and mortar in Madison County, or does he just work from his father in law's real estate office?


Will has been running for public office since I met him ten years ago.

How long has Will been licensed to practice in MS?

I also don't know Ratcliffe, but I think the fact that he maintains a successful business as a real estate attorney for 20 or more years would automatically put him at the top of the list.

Those who attack that by saying that "he's just a real estate lawyer" or "all he does is close loans" miss the point, although that is not as simple as you would imagine.

He is a member of the community, and has been for decades. He has no ambition, and he knows how to work hard as evidenced by his ability to keep a small business open for years.

Will Longwitz is the picture perfect modern Republican: tough talk against "relying on the Gub'ment", but then running to the public dole for a job.

He's worked for Haley, and now he wants his check to come from the state. But all while being a good, boot-strap success story Rebublican. Har har.

You can check all you want. He has no cases other than the Ridgeland one.

This should be simple. He takes pretty pictures, and looks like a glitzier pic than the other candidates.

If you are easily distracted, you'll vote for him. If you want a judge who has experience in any area of life, especially the law (even something as lowly as real estate), you won't.

I'm voting for whoever gets the greatest number of negative "anonymous" comments here.

I met Longwitz in our Sunday School class at Broadmoor Baptist. I'm not much for campaigning at church. I did'nt even know he was a member. Seemed like he really wanted to be judge.

I saw Longwitz at church, too. I didn't appreciate him asking for my vote while at church. Some things are just off-limits. Oh, and the bumper sticker placed on my car without my permission sealed the deal for me. He will not be getting my vote.

I don't think it's a fair criticism of Longwitz that he filed the First Amendment case against Ridgeland. He should be commended for taking a civil rights case, as most lawyers will not touch these cases. Further, the cause was right.

What IS a fair criticism of Longwitz is his supporters' constant claims that he was a "federal prosecutor". He wasn't. He was counsel for the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission. This agency is regulatory and does not prosecute criminal cases. Any CFTC cases that involve criminal offenses are referred to the real "federal prosecutors" in the US Attorneys Office or the DoJ.

Excuse Mr. Crowley. He is JJ's trusted caucasian intellectual.

Longwitz has never been seen at a Madison central game until this year. You need to get off your father in laws coat tail and get a job. If you were reasly interested in winning you would think that when asked personally where your office is, how many cases you have really prosecuted, etc. You would be eager to give the people an answer..... Not just riding around in your white truck, going to church at Broadmoor just to politic when people are trying to be sacred when you really go to the Chapel. Answer up weezel guy. You scared?? Then say you scared !!!!

There is not a sign for Will Longwitz on any church property to my knowledge. Nor has anyone put a bumper sticker or a yard sign up without permission. If this has been done, it was done without the permission of the candidate. If you are referring to the sign on the property across from the Chapel, ask the owners of the property, who are individuals, not a church.

Steve Ratcliff was never seen at a Madison Central game until last weekend. First time ever. You can pretty much count on him doing whatever Will has already been doing for months now.

You can't blame candidates for simply doing what needs to be done... Campaigning

Attending football games is just part of campaigning. I wouldn't fault either candidate for that.

Thank you, Curt. I remembered reading Will's official title but couldn't recall exactly what it was at the time. I knew he wasn't litigating, however.

I have no horse in the race, frankly. I don't live in state any longer. However, I do think that the shameless campaigning and slick campaign without substance is pretty sickening.

That is really all. He has no real "private practice", as he claims to, and he doesn't have a tenth of the experience (legal or running a business) that some of the others have.

I guess the good news is that Madison Countians will get what they ask for regardless. If they want a guy with little litigation experience who will "protect their neighborhoods" (even though County Court really doesn't have the jurisdiction over much law that might do that), then the choice is simple.

All right, I've been letting y'all have at it for the most part but that last one was zapped. Family stuff is off limits. Don't like it, go over to the JFP where you can trash people as much as you like, if they are Republicans.

In Longwitz's defense, I got the CFTC info from Longwitz's website. He says "federal prosecutor" on the site, but then identifies the CFTC. So I think he's being honest about the agency for whom he worked. It appears to be his supporters who are recklessly throwing around the term "federal prosecutor" in a transparent attempt to mislead the voters.

As an aside, I've met Mr. Longwitz before when he was covering for the County Prosecutor. Seems like a nice guy. But I don't think any of the candidates can fill Judge Agin's shoes.

7:41, I don't know how your classless comment got past Kingfish without being removed, but it has no place in civil discourse.

You also might be interested to know that Mary's niece is married to Steve Ratcliffe's first cousin, so the mayor isn't endorsing either candidate. I don't know where you are getting your information, but it's false.

There have been quite a few negative comments about Will, but very few about the other candidates. In my experience, supporters of one candidate spend a lot of energy criticizing the others when they have nothing positive to offer about their candidate.

On the other hand, I have plenty of positive comments about Will Longwitz. True, he is a tireless campaigner, and maybe some short sighted people see that as a negative in a judicial campaign. However, as long as judges are elected they'll have to campaign to gain the office initially and to hold it from that point on. Through his energetic campaigning, Will is attempting to get to know as many Madison Countians as he can, and he's also allowing them to do the same with him. I prefer a judicial candidate like Will who works hard and is obviously dedicated to the mission. I also believe that the work ethic that Will has shown will be evident after he's elected, and he'll be a welcome addition to the bench in Madison County. Bill Billingsley

I'm with the Kingfish about Bluntson....keep it in Hinds Co!

I've been a Madisonian for over 50 years and I had never heard the name Longwitz until I started seeing his signs beside every Hawkins Real Estate sign (I bet most ot the property owners have no knowledge of this). Nevertheless, I know Steve Ratcliff and have witnessed his works throughout our community over the years which means alot to all Madisonians. With over 20 years of actual litigation experience he gets my vote and hopefully yours!

Regarding Will Longwitz, let's not confuse tireless and energetic campaigning for rudeness. During lunch with a friend at Beagle Bagel-Madison, he clearly interupted our conversation. Last time I went there, I saw his truck and chose another place because I didn't want to deal with this. His efforts seem almost desperate as if he needs to become judge to have a job.

How can you say "Family is off limits"? This court deals with our youth which is directly related to family values and morals. There are so many kids coming through the system due to broken families. Let's not pretend this isn't about family...

Well I was disappointed after all the negativity! So I googled Will Longwitz wapt and saw the tv video! Do your own investigation. As a Ridgeland resident I'm really concerned w/ this guy! How could any conservative even think of voting for Longwitz for a judge?

Kingfish, I've enjoyed the polls over recent weeks. However,I think Will Longwitz or his camp is manuipulating the polls. All last week resulted between 280-419voters for each of the Hinds, Madison and Rankin Circuit Judge. This weeks polls for Hinds County Court Judge has 392 voters. Madison County Court Judge has spiked to 750 voters in day one alone. Longwitz has 475 votes which surpasses the total votes in last weeks 5 day poll and this weeks other poll. I bet the same few voters are repeatedly voting through different IP addresses. If they or he would resort to unethical manipulative acts in a poll, it frightens me to think what he would do as Judge.

Knock it off 9:12. They ALL do it. Bluntson has a FB posting telling people to go vote in this poll. This goes on in every online poll. This is nothing compared to the hottest reporter poll. I understand you are against him and respect that, however, you can do better than that.

as for my comments earlier about Bluntson, I stand by them. I damn sure don't want Melton's or Harvey's peeps getting any kind of foothold in another county. If you like Tomie Green, vote for Bluntson. They come out of the same crowd.

October 5, 2010 9:12 AM

Such venom. Get a friggin' clue. It is the Internets and its a friggin' joke. There is no manipulation across various IP addresses. All I have to do is clear my cache and I can vote as many times as I want. Wonder how Harvey won the best Democrat? I voted over 100 times for him. Please refrain from comments that make you look foolish.

Remember where you are....

A jambalaya of commentary, politics, culture, and jackassery in Jackson, Mississippi

You are a joke Bill billingsley.

Just don't drag his wife into it. I need my jive translator.

Wait a damn second Kaptain, you did WHAT?

I'm going to kill you. So THAT is how he won the poll.

Take it from someone that works with the Madison County Court System. Steve Ratcliff is hands down the best candidate and it will be a sad day for Madison County and the Youth Court if he does not get elected. Remember he also will handle Youth Court Cases and your child may depend on a great judge one day. Steve Ratcliff is my vote and I assure you he should be yours as well.

Rather than muddy myself twice, I'll respond to 9:47 and 9:50 in the same message.

The joke is that you're now using a personal attack on me to distract the people reading these posts from the issue at hand. I'm guessing that neither of you, provided that it's not the same person in both posts, know me at all. If you did, you'd know that I've been involved in Republican politics at every level for a number of years, and I might be associated with lots of candidates and public officials. My relationship with Mayor Hawkins is fine, but no one with any knowledge of it would ever suggest that I'm her puppet. Nice try, though.

While I don't resort to crude language in a public forum like this, I'll simply say that if you had what you claim Mary has given back to me then you'd put your name on your comments like I do. Until you're proud enough of your work to sign your name to it, you don't rise to the level of anyone who deserves my attention. Bill Billingsley

Good grief KF. Harvey is the "best", er, Democrat, um, leader in Jackson?

Hehehehehehe.....

I also manipulated the Haley vote.

You can tell a lot about a candidate, and about a man, when his back is to the wall (or he percieves it to be). These posts speak volumes.

October 5, 2010 10:54 AM

Take another sip.

Kingfish should run for office; he seems to have all the answers! Maybe he can start his own political party and his retired flunkies who follow him all day on his blog can continue to kiss his hairy @#&*!

Why dignify this site with responses, negative or not? It's a complete waste of time and fueled by hatred, sarcasm, and ignorance. The more you comment, the more these bastards get off. Lotion anyone???

October 5, 2010 11:29 AM

Ah, hell, drink the whole bottle will ya?

Never did there live a more kinder, generous man than Will Longwitz. He's an overflowing cup of the cream of human goodness.

8:22, you obviously don't have a damn clue what conservatism means. Longwitz challenged a sign ordinance that violated citizens' First Amendment rights. This ordinance was an attempt to control what people place on their own property. That lawsuit challenged the authority of this big government over-regulation. Politically speaking, the lawsuit stayed true to the conservative principle of a smaller government that does not interfere in every aspect of our lives.

You might want to learn a little bit about conservatism before you profess to be a conservative. Your post makes it quite obvious that you are ignorant of conservative principles.

I don't know either candidate and just recently moved to Madison County. My vote will probably be blind to the issues anyway.

Candidates cannot control all of their signs or bumper-stickers. If someone sees a candidate placing a yard sign or bumper-sticker where it doesn't belong, that person should take up that issue with that candidate then or as soon afterward as possible. To me, you have forgone your rights to bi*ch if you have not done so. The same goes with a solicitation for a vote at church. Churches mean 1000 different things to 1000 different people. If you have a problem with it, voice it or drop it.

Personally, I like an attorney that will sue the government whether local, state or federal. I especially like one that will take on a civil rights issue, particularly one that may make them unpopular with the status quo. That lawyer most likely believes in what he is doing and gets my prima facia support.

Make sure you have your facts before making a post. Mary's niece is not married to Steve's FIRST cousin. He is Steve's THIRD cousin.

Personally I am glad to see so many posted comments. But the fact remains some think one candidate is more qualified because they think he is working harder for the job. I guess the begger at County Line is qualified to get more handouts for nothing too. The truth is, this is not a popularity contest, it's about who is more qualified. If all candidates were applying for this position, Mr. Ratcliff would get the job. If you want to talk about solid character and good judgement, Mr Ratcliff would get the job. Facts are facts and this page has spewed out much garbage about the facts of WL. No wonder people don't like politicians any more.

10:20 While I agree that much of what has been written on this site is garbage, you and I aren't in agreement on our candidates. But that is what makes America great. We can all have our own opinions.

Exactly, but facts are still facts and this office is part of the back bone of this great nation of laws meant to be upheld by men and women of the utmost character. Non partisan, strong decision making, committed to the office, and most importantly the truth. The truth is WL is unqualified! Popular, maybe; photogenic, maybe, have a full time job, no; professional politician, yes. Heck this country could have had John Edwards as president. Character matters and he is lacking. We will cover more tomorrow. GN

Good night. Tomorrow is another day, of writing about oneself and acting as if it's anonymous.
Voters can see through this nonsense.

Ever wonder who has time to interrupt people at lunch or dinner? While I'm eating lunch, I'm eating lunch; not working. Mr. Longwitz must not have much work to do if he can eat lunch and interrupt people at the same time.

I googled "Will Longwitz" and came up with a website http://www.zoominfo.com/search#search/profile/person?personId=1431644856&targetid=profile

From what I can tell, Mr. Longwitz joined the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce in April 2010. Seems kind of fishy that he joined the CoC 6 months ago.

I googled "Steve Ratcliff" and actually found an address for his law practice and a working telephone number. Wonder why Longwitz didn't have any of that pop up on the search?

October 5, 2010 6:20 PM

So I take it that you don't know that the government enjoys immunity from prosecution and the constant attempts at suing the government are the exact reason that so many rational people look at an attorney like that and say, "poor guy, he just doesn't get it does he?"

Oh, and you should lump in the insurance companies b/c that is where the real money comes from that lines the scoundrel's pockets and winds up costing you and I real money as our insurance rates continue to skyrocket across the board.

That is admirable, right?

I stand corrected on my earlier misstatement about the relationship between Mr. Ratcliff and the man who married Mayor Hawkins' niece. I thought my information came from a good source, but it obviously was off a little. Sorry...Bill Billingsley

I zapped it because of one sentence. I'm sure you can figure out which one it was.

What is really sad is that Mr. Longwitz has gained over five hundred votes since yesterday. I know that many different people have not voted since yesterday. Someone is just deleting the cache and re-voting. Is it really that bad for Mr. Longwitz. It really is sad to sit on a computer and keep re-voting. Someone needs to get a life. I doubt on November 3rd the voting will be like that.

8:40- Are you seriously that hypocritical? I noticed how crazy this poll is becoming and wrote some numbers down last night. At 11pm yesterday evening, Ratcliff had 371 votes. At 8:30 this morning, he had nearly 580. Longwitz had 900 votes and now has 1030 votes. Someone was up all night voting for each of these candidates, repeatedly. This has become a digital pissing match.

I think it is funny. Considering that someone actually took the time to open, close, re-open and close their browser hundreds of times shows the impact of this blog on people's ability to accomplish foolish tasks.

Just went through the thread and zapped some posts. I zapped them for either language or making accusations that were unsupported. If you want to accuse candidates of doing stuff, be prepared to back it up. Just like I challenged the commentor writing Weill was placing yard signs in right of way. Funny how he has not sent me any pictures of said offenses.

Just like I challenged the commentor writing Weill was placing yard signs in right of way. Funny how he has not sent me any pictures of said offenses.

You are fucking blind Fish if you don't see Weill's signs in the public right-of-ways. How obvious does it need to be for the same guy who sees plywood on house windows?

I have not seen Weill's signs in the public ROW. I have seen signs for Shamsid-Deen, Priester and Burton (?) in the ROW, though.

Jackson's ordinance prohibits political signs in public rights-of-way. Signs can't be located LESS THAN 10 feet from any right-of-way. Property owners are limited to one sign per candidate.

It really is amusing to watch you bird dog various code violations Fish but when it comes to calling your own guy out for his signs you act like the law doesn't exist nor Weill's blowing off of the ordinance.

While you are out looking for the next housing violation to feature why don't you open your eyes. If you do you'll see Mr. "Good Judgment" Weill's sign violations all over NE Jackson.

For the record, I only voted once in this recent round of judge elections, just basically to see who was winning. I then removed my vote. None of these jokers really affect me personally so, no vote from me.

for the record, I voted for Brown.

How many times?

one for one.

A friend of mine who went to law school with Longwitz told me that if Madison County voted him in as judge, we were idiots.

Further, it was in the paper that he was a "Madison County Special Prosecutor." He filled in for Allen Phillips, Madison County Prosecutor, ONCE.

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Just VOTED for STEVE RATCLIFF today! Made a very informed decision. I'm in my mid 30s and look up to someone like Mr. Ratcliff that isn't all polish and shine without substance. It sounds like Mr. Longwitz is using the voters for stepping stones in his master scheme to claw his way to the top of whatever it is he is ultimately going for! If Will was trolling for votes in the Lord's house while people are worshipping and in Sunday School, I find that shameful. He church hops on Sundays to find votes? Why was he at Broadmoor Baptist? Isn't he a member of Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church? God help us if Will Longwitz wins. I encourage everybody to vote for substance = Steve Ratcliff.
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Being a local REALTOR I appreciate all that closing attorneys do. But when it comes to voting for a Judge, I want someone with the Best education,experience and ability to make judgement calls. Will Longwitz has the Right Experience: he has worked as Federal Prosecutor, Worked for Haley Barbour on the Commission on Recovery and Rebuilding after Katrina, Special Proscutor for Madison County Justice Court,and as an independant Hearing Officer for the Mississippi Developent Authority.We don't need a closing attorney, we need Experience and good judgement.

Do you actually think that trolling the local vote will make a difference? You only embolden the folks here.

I was turned off by Longwitz's campaign flyer that prominently mentioned his wife's parents (local bigwigs) but failed to mention HIS OWN PARENTS. What kind of loser throws his parents under the bus? ;-)