Win or lose today, McCoy’s contribution to the state will not be lost in the annals of Mississippi political history. Smith, 58, long known as a capable legislator who then Ways and Means Chair McCoy tabbed as one of his primary assistants earlier this decade, would earn his own mention in the annals of the state if he is successful in knocking off a legislative giant such as McCoy.
Right now at the very moment it looks as if McCoy has the votes to be re-elected as speaker – by a whisker. But never forget the 122-member Mississippi House is a lot like an elementary-school playground.
People who you thought were your friends can get mad about something you don’t even know about and take their toys and go play with somebody else.
McCoy is realistic. He’s been involved in too many big votes not to be – whether it was leading the efforts in the House to override then-Gov. Bill Allain to pass the four-lane highway legislation in 1987 or overriding then-Gov. Kirk Fordice to pass the Adequate Education Program in 1997. In other words, he knows a lot about putting together winning vote totals.
Because of that knowledge, though, he also knows at this point he could lose. He thinks he will win, but understands how the whims of a few members could tilt the election the other way.
He knew that recently late one evening when he walked out of his state Capitol office with a big grin on his face.
“Things look good,” he said.
But then he turned around with a serious look and said regardless of the outcome, “I am a member of the Mississippi House for four more years. That is an honor in itself.”
Bobby Harrison writes well. I admire his work.
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