The resignation of Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens means we are going to get us a new D.A. What are the rules? Will a special election be held? Good questions all. Fortunately for you, JJ found the relevant section in the Mississippi Code. Section 23-15-834 states:
In case of death, resignation or vacancy from any cause in the office of district attorney, the unexpired term of which shall exceed six (6) months, the Governor shall within ten (10) days after the vacancy occurs issue a proclamation calling an election to fill a vacancy in the office of district attorney to be held on the next regular special election day in the district where the vacancy occurred unless the vacancy occurs in a year in which a general election would normally be held for that office as provided by law, in which case the appointed person shall serve the unexpired portion of the term. Candidates in such a special election shall qualify in the same manner and be subject to the same time limitations as set forth in Section 23-15-839. Pending the holding of a special election, the Governor shall make an emergency appointment to fill the vacancy until the same shall be filled by election.
Section 21-15-831 gives the appointment power to the Governor:
When a vacancy other than in the Legislature occurs by death, resignation or otherwise, in any state or state district elected office, and there is no special provision of law for filling the vacancy, the same shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the Governor.
Translation: Governor Tate Reeves will appoint a new District Attorney by July 10. A special election will be held in November since elections are already scheduled.
Who might run for the job? The Street Committee says Darla Palmer, County Attorney Gerald Mumford, and Marvin Sanders are interested in the job.
Stay tuned.
40 comments:
I think Gwen Agho should do it.
Marvin Sanders is an ethical person. I don't know if that is one of the qualifications for the position, though.
hope one with prosecutorial experience, integrity and drive- not one who owns and operates a cigar bar and previously worked for the SPLC, a terrorist organization
You forgot Gwen Agho, the leading contender
I've heard from an FBI agent there are only two types of fellas that ride on the federal bus: Those that made a deal, and those that wish they had made a deal.
I don’t know about the street committee, but the prosecution and defense bar are saying ADA Aghoe
Why would the Gov appoint Darla? She couldn’t pull 20% of the vote
Darla is washed up, Mumford could win but make me question why he would want it, never hear of the other guy so likely won’t win
Doesn’t matter. Since CCID, the DA has much limited power than once before
Maybe Chowke will throw his hat in the ring. He is not a convicted felon. (Yet)
Somebody as good as Jody
Louis Coleman
opposite of funny @10:21
It will be Kamakazie. You heard it here first.
Hopefully be someone with good moral character…apparently that’s not a job requirement…should be.
I’m laughing at the notion that Tater will make this appointment by July 10. Ain’t no way in hell if history is our guide.
It bears pointing out that there are no repercussions for a failure to make the appointment “… within 10 days …” of the triggering of the vacancy in office.
"At this point what difference does it make".
The section of law cited is confusing at best. It details the time for a governor to set a special election and then jumps to 'the appointed person' without having mentioned an appointment or who appoints. Seems odd. (No assumptions are allowed or contemplated regarding an appointment; however, Kingfish assigns that responsibility to the governor.)
the section cited does not mention 'appointing within ten days'. The ten days mentioned is the time period for the Gov to set an election.
Repercussions might be a federal judge hammering people's asses for slowing down the legal process even further. Tate needs to act sooner, not later.
Gwen’s only experience practicing law has been under two terrible DAs who both surrounded themselves with criminals. Doesn’t say much for her.
Owens worked for several years with the Southern Poverty Law Center. Maybe that's where he learned the bribery business.
I hope Gerald Mumford runs.
Stan Alexander, an experienced prosecutor, ran for the job in 2019. He is currently serving as a CCID judge, but don't forget, the CCID is due to expire (and the judgeships that go with it) on 7/1/27. Wendy Wilson-White, who ran for judge in 2023, has a good bit of experience and it back in the DA's Office.
Isn't it a "part-time" gig?
Somebody with the sword of Damocles hanging over their head.
Enoch Sanders would make a great DA
"It's a vast right wing conspiracy."
The statute was written on a napkin at Tico's while a lobbyist was greasing palms.
10:38 AM not meant to be funny or not funny. Just my opinion. Jody fine man.
Darla, Stanley, Wendy? Y'all think Tate is going to appoint a bunch of also-rans? Need someone youngish who can do the job and who has not publicly demonstrated an inability to get votes
Gwen Agho Millsaps grad
Being appointed by Tater will be the kiss of death for anyone who may want to run for and actually get elected to the position down the road a few months from now
Who cares? The voters of hinds county are always going to vote in the largest moron of all the candidates.
Not sure who gets appointed, but ill bet Justice Gibbs runs for it lol
@ 12:14: like button
There or the Sun and Sand
Empty hot air suit.
The foremost expert on Mizzipi politics is Peter Perry and he recommends Tater slide Rukia into that slot if he has any aspirations. Petey has a PhD in Barbour Strategy.
You might have forgotten that the electorate will eventually prevail, regardless of Tater's interim appointment.
@11:10 AM Do you know a better way to get the relevant experience?
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