Hood started the drama on Thursday morning by sending reporters his reaction to Wednesday’s 2018 legislative session. Hood used the platform to attack Republican leaders, calling out Reeves in particular but not using his name, for failing to address key issues such as infrastructure and mental healthcare. Hood stated in the release that the Senate leadership was purchased and paid for by large corporations who have little interest in the well being of Mississippi’s citizens. Campaign finance reports for 2010 to 2017 show that the lieutenant governor received $193,750 in contributions by the companies that were given contracts for the state’s Medicaid program. Centene, Magnolia Health’s out-of-state parent, donated $50,000 to the lieutenant governor last year. Reeves replied through Laura Hipp that the Senate defeated a proposal that would have allowed in-state hospitals to compete against the three managed-care companies for the $3B Medicaid contracts. “Maybe, the attorney general should spend more time in Houston (his hometown) criticizing our conservative policy and focus on defending Mississippi’s newly passed law making it the safest country in America for an unborn baby.” The latest exchange between the two is the latest political interaction. Both have hinted at 2019 gubernatorial races. Hood has been a target of Reeves’ speeches at the Neshoba Country Fair for the past two years. It is one of the state’s most important political events. Hood focuses on his agenda, while Reeves criticized Hood’s record, policies, and ideology both times. Reeves and Hood argued over why Hood didn’t defend Hood in federal court cases and the opinion of Hood, the attorney general, after the Legislature adopted a law that included special funds being swept into the general fund. Reeves presses Hood to defend special fund opinions. Reeves was previously the state treasurer for eight years and stated that he does not take any budget advice from the Attorney General. According to the most recent campaign finance reports, Hood would be in a significant financial advantage if Reeves were to take legal advice. Reeves spent $173,000 and raised $1.2million in 2017. Reeves has $5.4 million in cash, making him the richest politician in Mississippi. Hood raised $662,500 in 2017 and spent $305,000, bringing his total cash to $656,000.