House and Senate Race Update

We are back from a week away from the blog, and had a big retirement announcement from the Democratic side.

** Rep. Warner McBride (D-Courtland), who has served five terms in the House, has opted against re-election for his seat that covers parts of Lafayette, Panola, and Tallahatchie counties. Most recently, McBride finished third and missed the runoff in the special election for the Northern District Transportation Commissioner office.

Here is (part of) a statement from McBride: “My family and I sincerely appreciate the support from the community that we have enjoyed since 1992. It has been one of the greatest privileges and highest honors of my life to represent our community in the House of Representatives. After prayerful consideration, I have made the decision not to seek re-election. I was elected at age 35 to share the opportunity of shaping the futures of the next generation. I feel it is time now for a member of the next generation to have the same opportunity for service that I have had.”

Currently, the only person to qualify for the HD10 seat is Republican Doug Jones. With the June 1 qualifying deadline (assuming courts don’t change it) a little more than a month away, the Democrats do not have an official candidate.

The Mississippi GOP touted Jones in a presser, and he said this in a statement: “I would like to thank Warner McBride for his many years of public service. I agree – it is time for some fresh new ideas in Jackson. As a blue-collar worker, I realize the burden of ever increasing costs from gasoline to groceries. As a former business owner, I understand the burden placed on small businesses by the intrusiveness of government regulation. I can identify the need to create jobs, drastically reduce taxes, and elevate our public school system.”

As currently drawn, this district presents a strong pickup opportunity for the Republicans. Under the House redistricting plan, the BVAP would increase from 21 to 29 percent.

** Right now, McBride is one of a dozen House members (8 R’s, 4 D’s) opting against re-election. Again, mebers still have time to decide or back out if they choose. As with many races, their potential to flip will be influenced by the new maps. But we do see potentially competitive races in three of the four Democratic held seats that are open at this point.

Seats currently held by Greg Ward (HD4) and Deryk Parker (HD107) present the best GOP opportunities among open Democratic seats. Jack Gadd’s seat (HD13) is also potentially competitive. Both Parker and Gadd voted against Billy McCoy in 2008. Democrats have yet to field a candidate for the seat currently held by Parker.

** The big name we are waiting to hear from when it comes to re-election plans is Speaker McCoy. Last week, it was reported that he would make an announcement on future plans in “three to four weeks.”

** On the Senate side, the Greene County Herald (subscription only) is reporting that Sen. Tommy Dickerson (D-Waynesboro) will not be running for re-election. He represents a South Mississippi district that is Republican on the statewide and national level, but still loves local Democrats. Currently, Republicans have two candidates who have qualified for this seat: Connie Wilkerson and Robert Hendry. Dickerson, before opting out, was the only Democrat to qualify.

Here are some interesting rumors and stories from this area. Dennis DeBar is a Republican candidate who is challenging Rep. Shaun Walley (D-Leakesville). DeBar happens to be a partner with Dickerson, DeBar & Dickerson. The Dickerson is Tommy Dickerson- the retiring Democratic Senator.

The other Dickerson in Dickerson, DeBar & Dickerson is the Senator’s daughter, Kathryn. I have heard a rumor that she may be a candidate for her father’s seat- you would presume as a Democrat but we will see.

** Regarding the open District 25 Senate seat, Charles Barbour has a big time fundraiser lined up tonight in Jackson. It will be at the home of Quentin Whitwell, a Jackson city councilman, and feature Haley Barbour as the headliner. The host list reads like a who’s-who of Jackson area Republicans and tells us one thing: it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for any Republican to take on Barbour in a race where the GOP primary will be the general election.