Dave Dennis: There Is An Appetite For A Businessman, Not A Career Politician

Coast businessman Dave Dennis spoke with the Meridian Star the other day and went into great detail about his gubernatorial run. I do encourage you to check it out to get some insight on Dennis, and here are a few of the highlights:

- Dennis thought about running in 2003, but did not want to run if Haley Barbour was. Dennis met with Barbour a number of times between 2000 and 2002, and said if Barbour was not running he was going to take the necessary steps to proceed.

- Dennis has talked with Barbour about this run this time around, and said the governor will not be endorsing anyone.

- Dennis had nothing but positive things to say about Barbour. He said he has done a “phenomenal job” is building the appropriate environment for the state to succeed.

- Dennis focused on his business background as reason for voters choosing him over Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant. He said voters are sick of politicians and the difference between the two is a “career bureaucratic politician” and a “successful businessman who has made payroll.”

- Dennis said his primary strategy will be to reach out to voters in every county, but they will be zeroing in on about “12 to 14 counties” that dominate the primary.

- Dennis did not say his exact fundraising goals, but said a candidate would need $3-$4 million in the primary and then additional fundraising needed for the general election.

- Dennis said the top issues are economic development and job creation, while adding that public education is the key to success for the state.