/Baria scores Democratic runoff win; Sherman declines to endorse

Baria scores Democratic runoff win; Sherman declines to endorse

Baria’s victory also means that party leaders are not forced to support a candidate they tried to portray as a Republican. This became a key rallying point as the campaign came to an end. Howard Sherman, a venture capitalist and husband of Sela Ward (Mississippi), was defeated by Baria, who won the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Senator Roger Wicker. Baria’s family and friends crowded into Murky Waters BBQ in Gulfport on Tuesday, looking for updates. Baria arrived at the party about an hour after it began. He then concentrated on socializing with guests. People screamed and leapt out of their chairs when they heard the media report that the candidate was being called. Baria hugged supporters and the room burst into cheers and laughter. Baria stated that he would like to take some rest but that his team would soon meet to discuss strategy for November’s U.S. Senate elections, which include one nonpartisan special election. Former Democratic Congressman and Ag Secretary Mike Espy are the candidates in that race. Political observers believe Espy will be a strong contender against Republicans Sen. Cindy Hyde Smith and state Sen. Chris McDaniel. “I hope now that the primary has ended, assuming that I win (after final vote tally), that people can come together behind a candidate and do some joint planning. We’ve been kind of fractured and marginalized… I believe there’s a lot more enthusiasm on the Democratic side this election,” Baria said to Mississippi Today on Tuesday. Our people are still waiting. They are eager to get this over with so we can really move forward — that will be exciting to bring everyone together and begin to talk to all Mississippians, not just Democratic primary voters. Baria, 55 years old, is a third-term legislator who also serves as a trial attorney. In 2007, he defeated Scottie Cuevas, the incumbent state senator. He then won a seat on the House for House District 122. Baria has consistently voted for the Democratic minority on all issues in the Legislature. Voters will choose between Wicker’s conservative bonafides and Baria’s liberal-leaning voting record. The win of Baria also marks a major victory for the Democratic political elite in the state that publicly supported Baria’s candidacy. In Meridian, one staffer for Howard Sherman was sitting at the bar of Weidmann’s downtown restaurant. Thirty minutes later than the 8 p.m. party time, a Sherman-themed T-shirt-wearing man appeared to be the only candidate present at the restaurant. A few dozen people met in the upstairs bar to play weekly trivia, while several hundred people dined alone in the main dining area. Sherman and Ward arrived at the restaurant around 9:15 p.m. Television reporters were live-broadcasting the interview and rushed to meet Ward and Sherman at their van. Ward was a constant presence in Sherman’s campaign ads and on the streets. She took the first questions from reporters. Ward broke down during Sherman’s interview to share her perspective. As their college-aged son and daughter stood alongside them, supporters in the restaurant welcomed them with cheers. “Our love of the state, the way that we see it — is full with immense potential for change. Today, a statement was made: “We are not ready for change.” We are not ready to accept a square peg in round holes. Sherman said that Democrats voters are not ready to accept “out-of-the box” solutions. He said, “They voted conventional. They voted for that. Sherman was the political outsider throughout the year. Sherman’s outspokenness caused eyebrows and was rebuked by Democratic elected officials as well as operatives. Sherman donated the maximum amount allowed for campaign contributions to Senator Wicker last year, whom he would have faced in November. Sherman relied on the star power of Sela Ward, his wife, and his personal wealth to send out radio and television advertisements to Mississippians. His campaign finance reports included mostly out-of state donors, many of whom live in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City. “We love the state and have met some of the most incredible people. It was a joyous experience and a source of pride to see the state in its entirety and all its potential. Ward stated that although it’s difficult, it’s a part of life and we can go on. After the June 5th primary, Sherman and Baria entered into a runoff for the Democratic nomination title. Third place candidate Rep. Omeria Scott, D-Laurel had given Sherman his endorsement. Rep. Sonya Williams Barnes, D.Gulfport, endorsed Sherman from the beginning of his campaign. She said that the outcome was positive for the party. She stated that “We can do this for David, but we can do the same for ourselves.” “I believe it’s more that just tonight, it is a bigger win for the state,” Sherman said to Mississippi Today. He declined to endorse Baria when asked who he would vote for in November. We are still dealing with the emotions. Roger Wicker is not my support, but I have to regroup.” To help us continue our important work like this one, you can support this work by making a recurring gift today.