Waller is being supported by four former chairs of the state’s Republican Party, one of which supported Reeves earlier this year and all of who have publicly supported Reeves during previous elections. Reeves is unpopular among Mississippians and in some GOP circles. This raises the question: Is Reeves the most likely to beat Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood? Reeves must first survive the contested Republican primary, which includes Waller, a retired state supreme Court justice, as well as Robert Foster, a relative newcomer to social media who uses it to increase his name recognition within the party. Billy Powell, a Mississippi oilman who was the state Republican Party chairman between 1993 and 1996, said that Waller has a more balanced temperament than Jim Hood to win November. Tate’s arrogance is what bothers me. Tate doesn’t seem to have the desire to be a good friend and to get along with others. It’s more of an’my way, or highway’ type position. His arrogance really turned me off.” Clarke Reed of Greenville, Mississippi, was a businessman who presided over the party from 1966 through 1976. He said that Reeves’ opposition to tax increases is wrongheaded during an infrastructure crisis. Reed’s support of Waller is a change from Reed’s earlier support. In February, the Reeves campaign announced Reed’s endorsement. “Our infrastructure is falling apart. Reed stated that it’s a crime to be where we are. We need to increase the gas tax. Everyone knows this. Tate is a conservative. However, he doesn’t seem to want to pull the trigger in these crucial times. He’s a great man, but you have to be brave to do the risky things.” Mike Retzer (another Delta businessman) said that he supports Waller over Reeves due to Reeves’ infrastructure stance. Retzer stated that Tate had a chance, a great chance to do some good in our state. Retzer stated that while Republicans are opposed to taxes, our roads and bridges have been in serious trouble. We’re now completely locked in and taxes are always a sticking issue with us. But leaders must lead. Opting to be against all is one thing. But I believe there are issues that he should examine more closely.” Billy Mounger (a Jackson oilman who is also one of the architects of the Mississippi Republican Party) has also pledged support. Mounger stated that he supports Waller because he is the best man and that Tate is more electable at this stage. “As of right here, I believe he’d stand a better chance.” Waller, whose father was a Democratic governor between 1971 and 1975, said that Jim Herring, a former GOP chairman, also supported Waller. Herring didn’t return multiple messages this week. Waller said last month that “I believe that that shows that the senior and respected Republican leadership also recognizes the need for a new direction in leadership,” The Clarion-Ledger reported. Waller employed Josh Gregory, a political strategist who helped Gov. Jordan Russell, who was a senior strategist for U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde Smith’s 2018 special Senate elections, helped Phil Bryant win two gubernatorial wins in 2011 and 2015. Gregory and Russell effectively manage Waller’s campaign by coordinating messaging and outreach across the state. Bryant, who will be term-limited in the next year, endorsed Reeves directly in February. Russell said Monday that he was a Mississippian and had chosen to raise his family here. He wants a governor who’s not focused on petty politics but who can find conservative solutions to the serious problems Mississippi faces. “I am very happy that I am working for Chief Justice Waller,” Gregory said. Russell created a message for Waller stating that he is “the conservative candidate who can win in November.” A Waller campaign advertisement on Facebook last week stated, “Shouldn’t you like your Candidate for Governor?” You can. “I realized there were many big, important needs that were not addressed by other leaders during the gubernatorial election process. After talking with my family and praying, I felt Mississippi was at a crossroads and could address significant problems. Reeves has, however, not admitted to being a primary threat. At his campaign kickoff event last week, Reeves was asked if he underestimated his primary opponents. He replied that he was focusing on the main issue and that the 2019 election will keep out the liberal ideas of Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and Jim Hood. Parker Briden, the Reeves campaign’s communications director, said: “More then 300 conservative Mississippi leaders have supported Tate Reeves. Mississippi Today didn’t cover this because it demonstrated that the party was united and not divided. Last week, hundreds more conservatives attended rallies and other events in the state. The Republican Party will nominate Tate Reeves, the proven conservative in the race. Gregg Harper, a former congressman, also supported Reeves. Bryant said Monday that he supports Tate Reeves for the role of our next governor. It is time for a younger, more conservative generation to carry on the torch of conservatism. Young leaders who don’t believe that raising taxes or expanding Obamacare are good ideas. This race will be won by us.”