The forum was hosted by the Business & Industry Political Education Committee. Candidates gave speeches of 5-10 minutes to each participant about their plans for Washington if elected. * Michael Aycox (a Newton Democrat and corrections officer with Mississippi Department of Corrections) criticized Washington’s political system, citing “a new generation of politicians that are sick of establishment politics.” He also said that leaders of both the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi have failed to connect to Mississippians. Aycox stated that when someone sees something wrong in the world they have two options: they can either ignore it or stand up for the injustice and what their beliefs are. * Sally Doty (a Brookhaven Republican and state senator) praised her legislative record for supporting policy that “directly benefits” business leaders, such as the elimination of inventory and franchise taxes. Pelosi and Chuck Schumer were the names she used to attack Democrats over their fiscal policies. Doty stated, “Those of you in state government have not created the first job – and we shouldn’t.” You, the people in this room, are the ones who create the jobs. Doty said that she is able to identify with rural Mississippians’ most pressing issues because she is from Brookhaven. * Morgan Dunn, a Magee Republican and founder of a consulting company in healthcare, spoke about the importance for healthcare providers, education places, and small businesses to work together to create better communities that are more appealing to rural Mississippians. She also stressed the need to develop a system that meets the state’s health care needs. Dunn stated that the Affordable Care Act “raped” the health care industry. “Unfortunately that train left that station. It’s difficult to undo it and just remove it.” * Michael Evans (a Democrat from Philadelphia who is also a poultry farmer pointed out that he supported the issues that BIPEC pushed through the Legislature, except for the franchise tax cut. Evans stated that he supports expanding Medicaid but is a Democrat. He is also pro-life, pro-guns and wants to build a Mexican border fence. He hopes to be able to represent the “working people” of the state. Evans stated that they are the ones who have been left behind over the past several years. Evans said, “They’re the ones who have been cut out for the last several years.” Guest also spoke of working with local, state, and federal entities to fix crumbling infrastructure. He emphasized his record of “keeping Mississippians secure” during his time as a district attorney. Guest stated that he has dedicated his professional career to protecting the community and making sure that the community is a safe place for people to live, worship, and raise families. * Whit Hughes, a Madison Republican who was the past president of Baptist Health Systems’ foundation, stated that he would try to expand the state’s economy in an unconventional way. Hughes stated that voters want someone who is knowledgeable about economic development. Hughes said that voters want someone who can understand economic development. It often involves “swimming against the current and supporting someone who is already doing business in this area.” Hughes stated that he would not be an “established politician” if elected. * Perry Parker, a Republican from Seminary, was a Wall Street stock trader and started many businesses. Parker stated that he would “sell Mississippi” to help Mississippi. “I’ve started several businesses. Mississippi is my key to success. I have been selling Mississippi first on trading floor and in board rooms around the world.” Parker stated that he would be a good fit for Congress, and help grow the state’s economy. He also said that he would offer a different model than other candidates or politicians. Parker’s support for a strong military, Second Amendment rights, reducing government regulation and imposing term limits on political leaders were also key priorities. * Katherine Tate (a Jackson Republican who was a teacher and administrator in public school systems), focused on the larger problems within the education system. She stated that politicians had strayed away from the principles upon which the country was founded. She said that politicians have strayed from some of the principles on which the country was founded.