Y'all Politics recently published a list of "up and coming" Republicans. It included notables such as Phillip Gunn, Chris McDaniel, and Quentin Whitwell. It was a nice attempt at providing some pr for the GOP but well, I didn't think it was too particularly well-informed. I thought I would put my money where my mouth is and come up with my own list. These are not ranked so don't read too much into their position.
1. Lynn Fitch. Used family money to beat the money of the bond cartel. The Treasurer is the first Republican woman to aggressively court Republican women on a statewide level. She reaches out to them and they know it. She's holding fund-raisers and making it clear she has future plans and will not be a one-and-done politician.
2. Chris McDaniel. Lugar and Bennett went down and Hatch had to work hard to keep his Senate seat even though he won by a comfortable margin. Cruz stands a good chance of beating the Texas Lieutenant Governor. Its no secret many conservatives are fed up with deficits and pork barrel spending. Throw in the fact Senator Thad Cochran replaced Ted Stephens as the king of GOP pork, and there is a sentiment among the Tea Party and other conservatives to challenge the first Republican Senator from Mississippi. McDaniel is playing to all the conservative groups and making his name known around the state. The question will be funding. If McDaniel can nationalize the race and bring in money from conservatives nationwide (See Niki Haley in S. Carolina), he could obtain the funding to make a serious run while other Republican office-holders refuse to run out of deference to Thad.
3. Phil Fisher. He has made a name for himself on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors as someone who is a fiscal conservative and not afraid to stand up to the Democrats on the board. He is running for Mayor of Clinton and retires from military service Thursday with the rank of Brigadier General. He is still relatively young and would be the Mayor of a GOP stronghold if he wins. Much more of an up and comer than a certain Clarke Reed Republican that sits on the Jackson City Council.
4. Anthony Lawrence. The District Attorney for the Greene, George, and Jackson counties. Although from the coast, he is the current president of the state prosecutors' association. As Y'all stated, he is tough on cybercrime and showed dogged determination in prosecuting the Shaeffer case, the only case in the Catch a Predator sting operation in Byram that sent someone to jail. Well-respected by his peers and politicians alike, he must be considered to be a serious candidate for Attorney General if he decides to run.
5. Arthur Johnston. The Madison County Chancery Clerk is known for his intelligence and integrity. He is regarded by many as the best chancery clerk in Mississippi. He led the way in bringing technology to his office and chancery clerks statewide. He helped create the electronic court filing system that is being implemented statewide. If either Delbert or Lynn runs for another office, look for Mr. Johnston to announce his candidacy.
6. Mark Baker. An influx of new leadership in the House allowed the Rankin County attorney to assume a strong presence this year. He and Senator Josh Harkins did the heavy lifting in winning passage of several bills pertaining to the Reservoir area. He makes the Republican rounds, he's holding fund-raisers, and he's looking at running for Attorney General. He carries a more aggressive style than past GOP contenders for Jim Hood's spot but doesn't have the mule-headed nature of a certain past GOP candidate.
7. Rebekah Staples. Not an elected official but policy analyst for Governor Barbour and then Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves. She recently moved to the Governmental section at Butler Snow. Known as a highly intelligent operator, she will be someone to watch in future administrations. One of those people who may never make the newspapers but is always at the top as she is usually smarter than those around her.
8. Parks McNabb. No relation to Donovan and when not performing national security functions at Fenians, is Tate's right-hand man. He and the Lieutenant Governor are fast becoming known as a team more and more every month. Another Haley lieutenant who is advancing in the ranks. He will probably be like Rebekah, never elected to office but someone who can not be ignored.
9. Greg Snowden. There has to be a bulldog in the House and Greg Snowden is that man. Although he has been in the legislature for years, the ascension to power by Republicans allowed him to move into the spotlight and show what he can do. He worked under a speaker who was new to the job, showed his mastery of rules and procedure, something needed if one is to battle the Cecil Browns of the legislature. Fair but firm is the perfect description for the man from Meridian. Mr. Snowden is also not afraid to use social media and the regular media to fight Democrats and promote his message. He will be a true power in the legislature for some time to come.
10. Wow. Who should be tenth? Get ready: Billy Hewes. Yup. Billy Hewes. No longer working under someone else in the legislature, Billy Hewes now gets to be his own man in running for Mayor of Gulport. Its a job that fits him perfectly. He loves the coast and his business background will be an asset to Gulfport. He is still fairly young and with kids still in school, he will likely hold that job for at least two terms if he wins next year. He will be one of the leading GOP Mayors in Mississippi.
Honorable mention: Becky Currie, Michael Guest, Andy Gipson, Pamela Weaver, Amile Wilson, Scott Delano
There you have it. Fire away and tell me who I ignored.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
And now for my list
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90 comments:
The Hon. Rev. Andy Gipson I am sure would like for me to enter his name to the contest. I am not a big fan but he is worthy of being on someone's list somewhere.
You, of course, would never include him (personal preds) but Michael Guest certainly should be included as well. Going to be interesting to watch him and Baker as the next AG race approaches.
And as to Chris McDaniel. Certainly an up-and-comer, but NOT if he should be foolish enough to challenge Senator Cochran. If you've bought into the Tea Party crap on this Senate race, check out how all their other challengers are doing and have done. Yes the TP is a good force to have behind you - they bring some enthusiam to the arena - but they are a small group when measured against the rank and file.
Cochran would trample McDaniel, or any other challenger (primary or general) with 70% plus of the vote. In a primary, it would approach 80%.
I agree about McDaniel. Just letting you know what I think they are thinking.
Pamela Weaver? She can barely get a press release right.
Briggs Hopson
Russ Latino.
Lynn Fitch is the savvy, smart and sophisticated version of Amy Tuck...
Quentin Whitwell and Philip Gunn are also at the top of the list as the biggest IDIOTS in the GOP!!!
And she may be just as Amy was - at the top of her ladder. Peter Principle (no pun intended) at work.
Actually don't think Fitch can win a race she cannot buy, and the Lucian group is looking for payback
Fitch can follow in Tate's footsteps... Lucian will get his chance...
Does Brian Aldridge have a future with the GOP or are his days numbered after the recent family fallout/lawsuit?
As long as daddy is willing to bankroll her, she can buy some offices - but they aren't any higher than where she is now. It takes more than just money to reach the Lite Gov, Gov or Congress (see David Landrum as an example). While luck and good timing have been responsible for some people's success, if I were Fitch, I wouldn't be banking on luck, good timing, daddy's money and being a woman. She needs to show some competence.
The two freshmen Senators from the coast who share a desk. Tindell stood up to the Gov on the MDA pay bill. Tindell was unopposed for Hewes vacant seat. And Hill who got 3 bills passed, while many freshmen didn't even author one. She's smart and she's not known to back down from a fight. A much needed dose if common sense in the upper chamber. Hill defeated an incumbent twice(primary and runoff). He also outspent her 5x.
I have to disagree with the stance on Cochran. I think, for the first time, he's vulnerable. He's pissed enough people off with several votes in this last term (both pork-filled and otherwise) that I believe he could be beaten. I don't know enough about McDaniel to assess whether he's the right man or not, but if a strong challenger were to show up, I believe 'ol Thad could be sent to the house......and I REALLY hope so!
3:37, you and two dozen other folks. Cochran would kick ass in a primary - for good reasons and for bad. Who is going to back the challenger? Where does the funding for the campaign come from?
More importantly, you point out why a few folks are upset with him. The other side of the coin is that there are many, many folks who are very happy with him.
Thad has a job until his former chief of staff fills his shoes
Hill defeated an incumbent in a primary, where the incumbent's father was running as a Dem, if I remember correctly. The incumbent she beat wasn't well liked in the Repub party anyway. Not sure how she will survive.
There is another new coast legislator worth watching - Charles Busby. A self-made businessman who has good values and no political debts to hold him back. Don't know if he has any ambitions for full-time elective office but if not he will be a strong force in the legislature.
Matt Eichelberger
and
Dorsey Carson.
Phillip Gunn, Stacey Pickering, Joe Nosef are up and comers. Pam Weaver is definitely an up and comer. She is very intelligent and has transitioned beautifully from TV to politics.
Stacey Pickering, Joe Nosef, Phillip Gunn are up and comers. Also, I agree Pam Weaver is definitely an up and comer. She has transitioned very well from TV to politics.
Amile Wilson as Honorable Mention? Please expand.
Mcdaniel is the most dynamic one in the bunch. Smartest and best stump speaker. If anyone can beat Thad, he can.
However it would be difficult for any person to beat Thad. Long live RINO.
Amile worked on several campaigns last year. Won national awards, and is becoming quite a film-producing talent in GOP circles.
505, I thought the same thing, but decided to keep my fingers shut. Nice guy, but how does he fit in this list - EVEN as an honorable mention.
There were a couple of others that KF included that I found a bit strange, but for KF they weren't that bad! But Amile put on the same list with these folks? Get serious.
If Chris McDaniel gets elected to statewide office in MS I'll leave the state.
Fish needs to cull his herd of the sacred cows. Wilson blows smoke up the asses of many Jacksonians. That is why he made this JJ list.
Re: 4:27
Ah, so Sid Albritton's father running as the unopposed candidate in the Dem primary is why Albritton lost twice? Gimme a break. Daddy didn't spend any time or money on his run.
As for Busby, he seems like a great guy. Haven't seen him at bat yet though.
Wow. 2 from Tate's staff.someone has an agenda
What surprises me is that Kingfish has the gall to publish such a list after Allan Lange has already spoken. I thought Lange was the final authority on most matters. The alpha and omega. snort.
I was under the impression that Corder wrote that one. He's ballsy for a mayoral candidate.
Ricky Dumbrowski
DI Smith should be included on this list
5:58, sorry - think you missed my point. His dad as a Dem helped confirm the belief of Sid's commitment to the Repub party. Never was a solid vote - and this was the cherry that topped it off. Just saying that Hill has a lot to show before she becomes anything of a "up and coming" - beating Albritton in a Repub primary in Pearl River County isn't enough to be included in this list - yet. At least, IMHO.
I would love to see McDaniel in a statewide office!
What about Lee Yancey? Could he make a comeback?
Between all these comments, KF's and Corder/Lange's personal agenda lists, it would be interesting to make a limited list of real "up and comers", differentiating between good guys/gals, nice people, friends, relatives, etc. Limit it to ten - and let it be those that have a real likelihood of 'moving up" substantially from their present position.
Realize that was what Fish might have been thinking he was doing, but I think he was really taking a swipe at YP and their infatuaton with Q, among others. Yet, he failed with his personal infatuations.
Anyone game to take a shot?
There is this young guy like 18 or so that got elected to the Madison County Republican Party Executive Comitee.
1. Lynn Fitch
2. Chris McDaniel
3. Mark Baker
4. Michael Guest
5. Mark Keenum
6. Stacey Pickering
7. Brad Mayo
8. Lucien Smith
9. Michael Watson
10. Will Longwitz
11. Just for the hell of it... Jimmie Maxwell
A real list?
Reeves
Gunn
McDaniel
Fitch
Hewes
Baker
Lawrence
Maybe Watson
And anyone but Pickering.
Thanks for update 6:50,
I hope we're both right. Pascagoula and Picayune seem to both have some bright spots.
He's been around a while, and maybe isn't going anywhere else, but I like Formby. Wish he was among moving up crowd.
7:19, I like your effort, and interesting list. Couple of questions - while I think Keenum could well be if he wanted it, but he seems to me to be where he wants to be *his dream job" for the rest of his life. If after a decade he wanted to leave, he would be a formidable candidate. And with TC serving one more term, that might fit. Otherwise, I would see him staying in his office in Allen Hall.
And I was going to throw Mayo into the frey earlier. Haven't thought about Maxwell, but certainly a good addition.
And again, IMHO, the 7:22 list is a good one as well.
Find the "opposing" opinions on Pickering to fit what seems to be the feeling statewide. He has a strong following, and also has a strong negative with folks that are upset which how he is performing in his current position.
Not to take over Fish's blog but in his absence - see he is tweeting from the election office at present - any other entries?
8:29, I have a feeling Rhonda Keenum would love to get back to DC- I'm not sure Mark is electable, but he could certainly be appointed.
Plus, Sid Salter would be a great press secretary for him...
Mayo- I believe his name was on the big ticket invite for Romney in Jackson a couple weeks back.
Chris McDaniel is top candidate to defeat Thad! I'm switching to McD!!
Jimmy Maxwell is solid. I wouldn't expect him to sit on the Court forever.
Out of respect for TC, McDaniel or any other republican would not run against the man. He has helped MS ALOT!
wow! this is what Mississippi has to offer! No wonder we are last and will remain there.
Your list forgot to mention Sen. Brice Wiggins. One of only two freshmen senators to secure a chairmanship. Defeated a 16 year incumbent raising his own money. Authored and passed at least 6 bills passed into law, including ones protecting children. Is carrying the torch for the coast and served under Lawrence as Asst. D.A. Seems like you focus on names rather than those who actually do something.
Here is my list, in no order. My criteria are that this person is already an elected official. No staff. No politicos. No coulda shouldas. Person must have identifiable potential for higher office than they now currently hold. Whether I like these people or not personally did not preclude them (or include them) in my list.
1) Tate Reeves
2) Lynn Fitch
3) Stacey Pickering
4) Chris McDaniel
5) Michael Guest
6) Josh Harkins
7) Melanie Sojourner
8) Will Longwitz
9) Mark Baker
10) Brad Mayo
Brice Wiggins, welcome to JJ.
9:20 is right about 1 thing. Thad is dead meat. He has become so invisible a big D would take him. We need a new energetic R leader that can rise to the top of the US senate. McDaniel has what it takes.
10:42, You know who is instant dead meat when Gregg Harper runs? Chris McDaniel.
McDaniel is sharp and may be our next US Senator, but Thad would crush him. See: 1982 Senate Race, Mississippi.
Chris McDaniel is too smart to fall for the 50 people that are pushing the idea. Thad would crush him and anybody else that wanted to jump in. Yes, a few folks are upset with him. Takes a lot, lot more than that.
Let's see - I'm Chris McDaniel, have a good future ahead of me (politically) and some crazy folks are suggesting that I should run against the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee - hmmmm. No, think I'll wait.
That's the smart move. If he ran, and lost (which he almost surely would) his future just went down the toilet. Showed his hand and showed his weakness. Goes back to practicing law in Laurel and doing a radio show.
Salter as presser? Tell me you're kidding. We already suffered through Hodding III and Larry Speakes. Sid could not possibly shelve his own importance long enough to tout someone else's.
So far we have seen 50+ comments on this post about MS GOP up and coming politicians, but it is interesting that not one has listed Steve Seale as one of those politicians.
5:37, he was mentioned, just not in a good way.
Steve Who?
3:40- Sid is basically Keenum's presser now....
Steve Seale as an up and comer, okay then Greg Davis is too...
Add Chip Johnson to your list...
I don't always agree with their politics but Snowden and McDaniel are both intellectual giants in the legislature. I would keep Snowden's name to the list.
The young man on the Madison County Executive Committee (comment at 7:16 yesterday) is Evan Alvarez. Good guy and will be contributing to Republican politics for a long time. Mallory Lambert is the secretary of the same committee. She worked at the state party for awhile and I expect to see good things from her as well. There are plenty of really bright and motivated Republicans under 30 around.
Bennie Thompson votes against auditing the Federal Reserve.
Where is Queen Mary? She is THE BEST.
Thad Cochran is almost 80 years old and does not even live in the state. He has done some some good things for the state, he has just as many votes that have done great harm. FYI, oh great defenders of the career politicians, Senate seats were never intended to be a life career. This "no one should run against Thad" mentality is exactly what has gotten us into this economic mess that our nation is in. YES, check out Thad "big spender" Cochran on this point. Some people need to take off the rose colored glasses and start thinking preservation of the nation and state.
I don't think anyone is really saying that no one should run against Thad. We're just saying that no one can beat him.
I'll be fine if he decides to step down, and I'm not sure who I'll support if he doesn't, but make no mistake - the majority of the voters won't even think twice about checking his box. A person needs to carefully evaluate the damage that a loss might cause to an otherwise bright career before taking on an incumbent US Senator in a primary. All bets are off if he retires, but I'd say that Harper would be the favorite if he wants the job.
Some of you need to remember that not everyone in the state is a political junkie. I just can't imagine people going to the polls and not pulling Cochran's lever, just based on sheer name recognition.
Harper cant win a statewide election.
McDaniel can raise more money than Harper--just saying
Some of you need to remember that not everyone in the state is a political junkie.
Take your admonition and shove it. Your second sentence was all that was needed.
Just because McDaniel can court the Tea Party voters doesn't amount to squat.
Personally, I don't believe Harper is itching for a promotion. However, In a scenario of Harper v. McDaniel the GOP loyal will file in behind the guy they can count on.
8:04- O'h really...
1. Josh Harkins
2. Andy Gipson
3. Chris McDaniel
4. Sally Doty
5. Josh Gregory
6. Lynn Fitch
7. Brad Mayo
8. Lynn Floyd
9. Austin Barbour
10. Kirk Sims
11. Jimmy Maxwell
12. Joe Nosef
13. Charles Busby
14. Sidney Allen
15. Russell Bennett
How could all of you possibly be overlooking Jeppie? He's been on a Texas Instruments Calculator in the backroom dungeon of GOP headquarters downtown for nine years without a break. Living on sack lunches, blisters on his fingers from tabulating data, keeping the political machine oiled from behind the curtain. Pontificating, serving as historian, carrying Haley's water, sleeves rolled up, placing everybody's order for BBQ lunches.
Jeppie Jeppie 1 -2 -3
Jeppie Jeppie G.O.P.!
8:08; Why would you slam 12:28 for simply suggesting that some of us are not as politically astute at tracking the current and future movers and shakers as some others are? Nobody was admonished; the poster only made an accurate statement.
Anyone who believes #1 Chris McDaniel can raise more money than Gregg Harper and #2 that Gregg Harper can't win a statewide election needs to lay off the pipe.
Polls would tell you otherwise.
Not anyone on these lists except Reeves, Fitch, and Josh Gregory (who's not interested in running by the way) can raise the money needed to run for Lt. Guv, U.S. Senate, or Guv. EVERYBODY else on this list are delighted to be mentioned but none are true contenders for these big jobs.
Why does it have to be about the top jobs? As for Josh, couldn't get elected to dog catcher, no voters know who he is, and he's made a few enemies along the way. I've got nothing for or against him. Just the way it is.
11:43, I think a few of them could raise the requisite money for a higher-up run. Others can rise through the ranks (leadership in their chamber or higher staff positions in higher offices).
Speaking of raising money, someone not mentioned who should be is Lucien Smith.
Josh still will not let KF around the big table
Josh Gregory....please.....when Phil goes, hopefully in 4 years his gravy train runs out.
Cory Wilson
Let's see the Ridgeland Mayor and the Richland Mayor supported Dave Dennis-- they have been really quite.
Let's not forget Jim Perry. He is not in MS, but should be considered.
I think Jim's either back or will be soon, and he's a good one.
10:12
Mark Baker can raise more money in Ms than Harper
11:52 what makes you say that? I disagree, but I'd be interested to hear your argument.
It's been his history and his achilies heel-12:34
Scott Delano (ex deputy sheriff)is a problem, not a solution to our woes in Miss.
You must work for Motorola.
Sean Tindell is a good man. Has guts [former ADA], brains [MS Law School Student Body Prez]& money. Is affable [former Prez of USM Student body], got coast-wide ties[wife from godd Goula family; he from Gpt; Mom/Dad from Stone Co.; good law practice & ties in Biloxi, LB, OS, D'Ibervile, USM, etc.
Tony Bahou?
John Bell Crosby?
Jimmy Foster?
William Truly?
Don Cabana?
LaRita Stokes?
Topwater Burwell
Just making sure we cover the entire waterfront.
Bahou is to busy boffing half the metro jackson population to have time to run for political office
Just appreciate you having someone charged with "Nat-- State security" on your list.
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