Bill Waller, an ex-chief justice of the state supreme court, was also present and will be riding along with Lt. Governor. Tate Reeves was willing to go along with Mississippi Today reporter Adam Ganucheau. State Rep. Robert Foster (R-Hernando) declined my request to shadow him campaign. However, I am a female. Colton Robison (Foster’s campaign director) told the reporter this week that I would need to have a male companion to accompany me on a 15-hour campaign trip. He said they believed the candidates with a woman, even a reporter, could be used to create the impression of an extramarital affair. The reporter stated that the only reason people would think I have an (improper) relationship is because I am a female. Robison stated that the campaign “can’t risk” it. “Perception is everything.” We are so close the primary. We wouldn’t be able to contest a mailer that was sent by trackers if they were to take a photo. Robinson spoke Tuesday afternoon via phone. Trackers are hired by rival candidates and supporters to record candidates in order to capture them in compromising situations. A tracker captured a video in November of Republican U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith commenting on attending a public hanging. The incident, which she later described as a joke, was covered by national media. Despite the fact that I broke the story about him becoming the first Republican to declare a bid for governor in December, Foster’s sudden discomfort with me covering his campaign is not surprising. Later in the month, I broke another story about Republican Party operatives offering Foster money to run for another office. Foster has been interviewed on many occasions since his announcement. I also spoke with him over the phone, at events, and in the Capitol halls. Foster, who is considered an underdog for Republican nomination, is running to his right in an appeal to tea party conservatives. Foster is well-known for his incendiary social commentary. He also supports the state flag which has a Confederate battle symbol. “Anyone who votes Democratic in ’18, is either ignorant or evil. It is not acceptable to support open borders or killing babies. He wrote last December that he would pray for U if it offends him but he wouldn’t be sorry. Mississippi Today asked Foster to ride along in June. Robison, the campaign manager suggested that the candidate join him on a trip to the Gulf Coast or Laurel. Robison, the campaign manager, said that it was a “weird request” and suggested I have a male friend to accompany me on the trip. My editor and me agreed that the request was sexist. Given my previous experience in covering Mississippi politics, Robinson was informed Tuesday that the reporter would be riding along for the ride-along story. He said that the campaign wouldn’t agree to it if a male colleague was present, despite me offering to wear a Mississippi Today badge at all times. Robison insists that trackers are trying get footage that will make the candidate look bad. Robison stated, “They stand there holding a phone in front of us.” It’s frustrating. This is the game we are playing now.