Republican Hyde Smith, who was appointed by Gov. In April, Phil Bryant was appointed by Gov. Hyde-Smith stated that participation would be impossible due to the Senate still being in session in Washington, D.C. Friday afternoon, the Espy campaign stated that Hyde-Smith would not be participating if she did. Othor Cain spoke for Espy. He stated that Secretary Espy believed Cindy Hyde Smith should participate because she holds the seat. “He believes that it is important for Mississippi citizens to hear directly from him.” Cain stated that Espy, who was the former secretary to agriculture under the Bill Clinton administration would be open to participating if Hyde Smith does. He noted that Hyde Smith was also participating in other events within the state, including Tuesday’s rally with President Donald Trump. John Sewell, Millsaps’ director of communications, stated that they were notified by Mike Espy for U.S. Senate Campaign about their decision not to participate in the Oct.4 debate of candidates for the U.S. Senate spot previously held by Senator Thad Cochran. “We are reaching out the states Sen. Chris McDaniel’s campaigns and Tobey Bartee’s campaigns for further discussion. We will provide more information as soon as it becomes available.” McDaniel, a Republican hailing from Ellisville, is running alongside Bartee, a Gautier Democrat. Many consider Hyde-Smith or Espy the front-runners. Three weeks after the Nov. 6 election, a runoff will take place between the top vote-getters. McDaniel lost to Cochran by a narrow margin in 2014. McDaniel said that Mike Espy pulled out of the debate because Cindy Hyde Smith refuses to debate. Because they are unable to defend their Democratic record in front of the public. This is political cowardice at its worst. They both lack the courage and conviction to address the issues, as is the case with lifelong Democrats. They are working together to prevent Republicans from having a platform that exposes their failed Democrat policies, which don’t reflect Mississippi’s values. Democrats claim they prefer blue. But yellow suits them more.” Hyde Smith was elected to the post of state commissioner for agriculture and commerce in 2011, as a Republican. She was a Democrat in the state Senate before that. Melissa Scallan, Hyde Smith spokesperson, stated that the Senate schedule is unchanged and Sen. Hyde Smith will be present in session on October 4. Therefore, it is not possible for her participate in that debate. We have no comment on Mr. Espy’s plans to not participate.” To support this work, make a regular donation today to celebrate our Spring Member Drive and help us continue important work such as this one.