They don't know who is running.
What follows is the four names we've heard with any credibility in order from most likely to run to least likely:
1. Jamie Franks (Is Definitely Running)
- He was a state representative representing District 19, which includes parts of Lee, Itawamba and Tishomingo Counties, from 2000 to 2007.
- In 2007 he ran for Lieutenant Governor against Lt. Governor Phil Bryant taking 41% of the vote in what was bad year for Democrats in Mississippi statewide elections.
- He's a conservative Democrat with degrees from Mississippi College and the University of Mississippi.
- He expressed concern publicly and privately about the state of the Democratic party structure in Mississippi. (While it has gotten better in the last 4 years, we still have a long way to go)
2. Rob Smith
- He is a Realtor and land developer.
- He was a state senator representing District 35 until 2001.
- He ran for State Treasurer in 2003 losing in the Democratic primary to Gary Anderson.
- He ran for Secretary of State in 2007 as the Democratic nominee.
3. Claude McInnis (Update: Not Running)
- He is the current Vice Chair and his name has come up in the past for this seat.
- He is the Chair of the Hinds County Democratic Party
4. Al Gore (of Oktibbeha County)
- He is a retired US Army Special Forces Chaplain who did post-graduate studies at Duke
- He is the Chair of the Oktibbeha County (Starkville) Democrat Party and is Vice Chair of the 3rd Congressional District and has been Chair of Mississippi Association of County Dem Chairs.
- He says he won't run if a qualified candidate like Jamie Franks looks to win.
Only Jamie Franks is confirmed to be actively running, but I thought y'all might find this interesting.
Also please e-mail us with additional information if you feel we should add something.
I would count myself a friend of Jamie Franks. From watching him over the years, I'd put him closer to the middle and even better than the tag "conservative Democrat."
ReplyDeleteHe has a populist streak I really like, and I think and hope would provide leadership the party really needs.
We tend to like him too, though we can't claim a personal relationship.
ReplyDeleteFirst concern is that - whoever takes the helm - we become a more organized, coordinated, visible, viable and active party, statewide.
ReplyDeleteThat means, in addition to establishing a full-blown communications and outreach machine, widening our presence on everything from school boards to Aldermen to the State house to Washington.
We need to be contesting every office at every level in every district with the best possible candidates, fully supported by the party (if not financially, then with aforementioned machine).
Northern's right on the money when he brings up Franks' populism. That's our winning message.
More, better Dems, everywhere.
For what it's worth, at this point, Franks definitely has my vote.
Speaking of which: The vote will be at the state convention this weekend, right?
Yes. I think only executive committee members vote on those positions, but I'm not sure about that.
ReplyDeleteReally? I was under the impression that all state delegates get to vote for the chair.
ReplyDeleteBut I could be mistaken.
I don't know. I'll ask.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see McInnis get it, but having a state party chair named Al Gore would be brilliant.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if a Franks chairmanship is inevitable, though.