Tuesday’s inauguration of newly-minted Republican Gov. Tate Reeves ends a 33-year career in public service in Mississippi by his predecessor, former Gov. Phil Bryant. Or does it?
Reeves, 45, has logged 16 years in public office himself since winning election to his first term as state treasurer in 2003. If Reeves’ fortunes track those of the other three Republicans who have held Mississippi’s governor’s office since Kirk Fordice broke through for the GOP in 1991, he’ll call the Governor’s Mansion home for two terms.
Since Mississippi voters amended the 1890 Constitution to allow gubernatorial succession in 1987, two Democrats won the Mississippi governorship – Ray Mabus in 1987 and Ronnie Musgrove in 1999. Both were one-termers and both were unseated by Republican challengers.
Fordice served two terms from 1992-2000. Haley Barbour, who defeated incumbent Democrat Musgrove, served two terms from 2004-2012. Bryant served two terms from 2012-2020. Unless Mississippi undergoes a massive political sea change, odds are the Reeves will follow that trend.
But Phil Bryant’s service to Mississippi is worthy of remembering. He leaves office with Mississippi’s economy better than it was when he took office, with progress in public education and with a business-friendly tax structure. Those accomplishments weren’t easy in the “weak governor” system dictated by the 1890 Constitution in which Bryant operated.
The authors of that onerous, racially charged document watered down gubernatorial powers in a manner designed to strengthen the Legislature by a system of freestanding boards and commissions. The practical result?
Mississippi’s political history recalls strong House speakers, strong lieutenant governors, and strong legislative committee chairmen far more than strong governors, although there have been notable exceptions. Barbour, based on his ability to impact the legislative elections, functioned as a strong governor. The rise of stricter federal-style party loyalty among legislative Republicans is also a key factor in both Barbour and Bryant’s policy successes.
Reeves, who was an exceptionally strong lieutenant governor, now faces that same 1890-era government structure. But Republicans have legislative majorities in both houses that make party loyalty an increasingly valuable political currency.
As for Bryant, while his days of state public service are likely behind him, his close ties to President Donald Trump could extend his government service to the federal level, perhaps even to a cabinet position. Critics of Bryant have consistently made the mistake of under-estimating the mechanic’s son from Moorhead. Bryant faced tough challenges inside the GOP when seeking the nomination for lieutenant governor and governor. Bryant's battle with former state Sen. Charlie Ross - a fellow Rankin County Republican - was one of the epic battles in Mississippi politics over the last 25 years.
The 2007 Bryant-Ross race for lieutenant governor is a textbook study in why Bryant has been successful in state politics. Like the former Hinds County deputy sheriff he is, Bryant handled misjudgments of his personal and political skills the way he handled burly drunks back when he was standing behind a badge with only 160 pounds, his wits and a service revolver to back his play.
Twenty years ago, I asked Bryant about how he handled confrontation - noting his propensity to handle trouble in his days as state auditor like a good-natured cop walking a tipsy driver to the squad car.
He admitted that his law enforcement background influenced his interpersonal skills and the way he approached confrontation.
"It's a lot easier and lot more productive to treat people the way you'd want to be treated - even if the person you're dealing with has made a mistake or is in trouble - than it is to get in a verbal or physical confrontation," said Bryant.
For 33 years, Bryant never strayed far from those principles in government service. That’s a rarity and it’s a big reason that Mississippi voters truly liked Bryant and trusted him.
Sid Salter is a syndicated columnist. Contact him at sidsalter@sidsalter.com.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Sid Salter: Bryant Never Strayed Far From Deputy Sheriff Roots
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30 comments:
The reality is that folks here in Mississippi aren't that smart. That's why the majority vote for people who really don't have their best interest at heart.
Captain Obvious strikes again!
MS has been a "red" state for quite some time now. Let's see how they handle the problems that are now manifesting from years of their "policy". They own it!
Was Governor Bryant a Certified Law Enforcement Officer? Article makes him appear to be a Matt Dillon, crime fighter etc. I read somewhere he was a Reserve Deputy.
I was a Reserve Hinds County (non- Certified ) Deputy 20 years ago, not hating on the Gov just inquiring!
Phil was never a deputy. He was a Reserve. Now. He wanted to be one. In his mind he was. Show me where he was and where he affected arrests! Maybe riding with full time deputies he did so or in there presence. Never was he fully sworn. NEVER. in the pea size brain he was and tells a good story.
Bryant should never be compared to Fordice! Bryant leaves with MDOC destined to go back under Federal Control. He and Barbour were both informed of the problems with Epps and let him stay. When the FEDS removed him instead of finding a strong, knowledgeable leader to restructure that department he put Fisher in who had about 2 cents worth of knowledge about Corrections then followed with Hall who had negative .75 cents worth of knowledge. Those three have been and will be very costly to the taxpayers of this State not to mention the loss of life Hall is responsible for. By far, Shad White is his best appointment and is a
Mississippi gem. Most of Bryant’s appointments were political paybacks and have done little for the people of this state in their appointed roles. Here’s hoping Tate will appoint knowledgeable, productive people.
Bryant was a fully commissioned deputy sheriff under sheriff McAdory. He served most of his time with the S.O. as an investigator. I'm not sure if he attended a training academy or was grandfathered into minimum standards when the statue took effect.
Based on what I saw, I think Phil did a pretty good job.
@9:33 No he didn't & No he wasn't
Bryant was a sworn officer about like Leftenant Graham was. Both carried Cracker-Jack badges and cardboard pistols. Bryant was forever in fantasy-land when in the back seat of an MHP vehicle clocking 88.
For once, Sid nailed it, as Philbilly and Barney Fife are carbon copies.
@10:42 actually he was serving under McAdory. At the time there was no minimum standards and in essence no “reserve”. If a sheriff swore you in, you were a deputy. No go pound sand.
@ 10:42; Bless your heart. Your perception of Bryant'a law enforcement experience isn't factual. Bryant served as a commissioned Deputy prior to the implementation of Minimum Standards in 1981. During my career with JPD I had the occasion to work with Bryant & his partner, Mike Acey. If you want corroboration search "Deputy Phil Bryant" via the Clarion Ledger web site. Sometimes facts get in the way of personal agendas.
Mr. Trump can always use another sycophant to confirm his actions. Phil has shown himself to be an especially unquestioning ally of the Trump regime. If he does nothing else, Mr. Trump appreciates those who can say AMEN! to his statements and actions no matter how absurd. Loyalty is always in short supply in D.C. Phil will have a place in the second Trump administration.
12:13 is correct and the only way Phil qualified as deputy was he met no minimum standard.
Mississippi probably won't see another Governor like Bryant for 100 years. I am a yellow dog democrat and Bryant was one of the only Republicans I've voted for in my life. I voted for him every time he was on my ballot. I wish he could've been Governor for a 3rd term because we're screwed with Reeves. However, I hope we see Bryant in another leadership role soon.
Didn't he have a college degree?
@1:06
I see you dont own any investments or stocks. Thanks to President Trump I am officially worth over $1 million dollars (in my retirement account)for the first time in my life. God Bless President Trump!
So Feel was a fake tough guy? No certification and definitely no DD214 in his file. Another fake politician tricking the average Mississippi voter like Cowboy Andy Gipson. Would some one with manners please tell him to take off his hat inside or transfer to the democrat party.
3:49, DD 214 has got nothing to do with law enforcement. Find out about a document before posting and removing all doubt that you know anything law enforcement or military....
My $1.5M got to 3M under Obama, it's only grown to 3.5M since he left office.
The only thing more boring than Mississippi politics is someone who writes about Mississippi politics.
"My $1.5M got to 3M under Obama, it's only grown to 3.5M since he left office. "
Jeepers, Wally, who would have expected that you would see more growth over 8 years than you would see in 3 years! This compound interest is a mystery!
BREAKING: General Lynn Fitch has announced that former Deputy Sheriff Bryant will head up her security detail as Deputy Assistant A.G. in charge of guarding The Hen House. This will not be a Director Level appointment, however, since all of those PIN numbers have been assigned to women. Bryant has requested a personal exemption from Friday Red Jeans Day at the office.
This announcement has slapped Marshall Ramsey upside the head with a resounding 'stroke of WOKE'.
3;49–I know the difference in those documents.In fact I have a DD214(military service record).How about you?I also have worn several badges including one in the military. I would tell you where to stick it but your head is in the way.
8:18 here. I meant my comment to be addressed to 5:13. Guess one shouldn’t attempt to be a smart ass until he has had the second cup of coffee.
" Captain Obvious strikes again! "
That's too funny.
I've been laughing at that observation all day.
My $1.5M got to 3M under Obama ...
BS
I put $10k on Uhaul in March of 2009. Obama sure paid off for me.
Why am I retired and y'all still working...
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