In District 102 we find factors that one would find in a "normal" election possibly turned on their head.
The district is open and was held by a Republican who has left to see other office. It takes up parts of Hattiesburg, Mississippi including The University of Southern Mississippi.
The Democrat is Jolly Matthews a longtime resident of his district, a Navy veteran, and man whose wife and three daughters are all teachers.
The Republican is Toby Barker who is a relatively recent graduate of USM and operates a business catering to small business in Hattiesburg.
What's turned on its head is the conventional wisdom that younger voters tend to vote for the Democrat by large margins. Barker has kept strong connections with fraternities on campus and has kept students involved in political campaigns since he was in college. The turnout of college students at USM may have the effect then of actually providing votes to the Republican.
This is one I'll sure be watching. What races are you watching in the state legislature. Add your comment by pressing the "comments" link at the bottom of this post.
interesting indeed.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to see how this race turns out...that being said, I hope Jolly wins. He sounds like he has alot more experience.
And, as the 'Swan Yerger for Circut Court Judge' signs said, "Experience Counts" ;)
I've met Jolly, and he is a wonderful guy with a lifetime of experience on his side. District 102 would be lucky to have him. I'd like to see more about other legislative races around the state that might be interesting to watch this summer.
ReplyDeletecyrustelk- I look forward to putting up more profiles and then updating those races (with links to the previous articles) as the develop.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see a profile on Ray Veccio.
ReplyDeletebillalma
Toby Barker is the much needed change that this part of Mississippi desparately needs. Jolly Mathews is a pompous arrogant lawyer who is a Democrat in name only because he needs the minority vote. His personality and actions have been the lowest of any politician in decades. He is so hated that friends and former law partners have parted ways with him. Jolly is only nice when he needs something like a vote.
ReplyDeleteI personally like both candidates and either would be a welcome change for the district.
ReplyDeleteMost folks who know him would disagree with this anonymous comment.
I find it interesting that everyone here that has something to say is willing to post their name, or some form of information regarding themselves, except Anonymous. The only one who has incorrect, unfactual and slanderous information to say. But then again, this is politicing times and I suppose we should expect such in times like this. Two or so months to go and I feel like I need to bathe already. I guess I would expect as much childish behavior from someone supporting a child. Nonetheless, I have met Jolly and know some of his former law partners and many of his friends and I dont find any of them that would say that he is "so hated that friends and former law partners have parted ways with him". I think that I would vote for a man with experience in life, family and District 102 over a 25 (+/-) year old child who is trying to get his foot in the door of politics at the expense of our District who has no family (wife, children, grandchildren), no life experience and has not long been out of puberty. I do not want to chance my District's future on such a chance. Will Barker only be here in our District long enough to get the next ride up that political ladder? He certainly has not been here long enough to "know" us. Jolly on the other hand has been here for many many years, raised a family in this district, worked in this District, has daughters and a wife who have taught in this District and obvioulsy has no plans of going anywhere. Toby, has he ever even paid taxes in Forrest County? What makes him think he knows what District 102 needs? Hmmm.. just my thoughts on someone "anonymous" slandering one political candidate... Wonder if "anonymous" has a last name of Barker... interesting... By the way... another clue that Anonymous doesnt "know" Jolly, I dont think anyone who even casually knew him would say that he "is a Democrat in name only because he needs the minority vote" hahaha ... Good Afternoon all
ReplyDeletebill, while I appreciate your comment I must disagree with your direction of attack on Mr. Barker.
ReplyDeleteWhen you attack him based on age you lower the discussion and worry me because I am actually younger than Toby, but this "kid" has a lot to contribute.
You hurt your defense of Jolly Matthews by stooping to dumb attacks rather than focusing on what another Republican representative in this district would mean vs. what a new Democratic voice would mean.
There's a valid case to be made. If you're reading this I'd encourage you to try again.
John.. I appreciate your input and you are probably right in some points. However, there is some truth to the statement "with age comes wisdom". I am certainly not saying that no one of 25 can contribute... but in my opinion when you face them against someone who has experience there is no comparison. And yes, considering the state that our last republican representative left us in, a new direction for our district and a new "voice" would be nice. I just feel like Barker was put in the position to run because it was convenient and because of who his friends are. I am not willing to let our District be his play toy for his political career. Each has his/her own view on why... age certainly has to be an issue... party has to be an issue... and priorities that the candidates vocus on are an issue.... not necessarily in that order; however, they all must be considered.
ReplyDelete