/Lt Gov Tate Reeves prevails in GOP runoff, will face Democrat Jim Hood in November

Lt Gov Tate Reeves prevails in GOP runoff, will face Democrat Jim Hood in November

Reeves spent three weeks blasting Waller in the runoff campaign. Reeves called it “liberal”. He greeted voters at his watchparty at the Westin hotel downtown Jackson with chants of “Tate!” Tate! Tate!” Reeves’ mother Dianne Peeples was the first to notice that Reeves was called for the race. She let out a cheer quickly that was quickly echoed at the event by the other 100 supporters. Reeves won Tuesday’s runoff due to strong performances in the Gulf Coast and rural areas across the state. Reeves surge in at least 65 of Mississippi’s 82 counties was not countered by Waller’s strength within the Jackson metro, which includes Rankin. “I want to tell you this: I heard what you said, and I am determined to unite this party to win in November. If you think we must fix our roads and maintain our economy, then listen to me. Come with me if you think we should raise teacher salaries and balance the budget. Reeves said to his crowd that if you believe we should save our hospitals in a conservative manner, then let’s get together.” Continued: “Tomorrow, or perhaps even later tonight,” Jim Hood asked his crowd to go back in time. Jim Hood would tell them that welfare and Washington are all we need to make everyone happy. “We, on the contrary, will argue freedom, opportunity and hard work as truths that will keep our heads in the right direction.” Waller and Reeves worked in different ways to define conservatism, sometimes criticizing the policies or personalities of their opponents. Reeves based his candidacy on his conservative beliefs. Reeves was critical of Waller’s platform to expand Medicaid and increase the state’s fuel taxes. He compared Waller with national Democrats such as Nancy Pelosi (Elizabeth Warren), Bernie Sanders, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria OcasioCortez, and Nancy Pelosi. Waller was flanked by Charlotte, his wife. He spoke out about issues that he believes are crucial to the state. He said, “We ran an election we can be proud off,” from his campaign headquarters around 30 minutes after the election’s call. “We ran on issues. It was not sugarcoated. We didn’t tell the people what they wanted. We told them what the State needed.” Waller declared late last year that he would be stepping down as chief justice of Mississippi Supreme Court. Waller did not declare his intention to run as governor until February. Many thought it was too late to challenge Reeves who had been planning his campaign for many years. Waller led a vigorous campaign and forced a runoff. He campaigned on raising teacher pay to the Southeastern average and improving roads and bridges, and expanding Medicaid coverage to include the working poor. Waller, whose father was governor in the 1970s, said that he believes they have raised some issues in the state. Waller didn’t endorse Reeves, it was obvious. He said that there were “some misrepresentations” of my positions. This is not something to take lightly. I will meet with my supporters to decide what we need. Waller stated that a campaign must have “some standards”, and that Reeves chose to criticize Waller and his politics instead of offering specific policies for the state. Reeves will now face Hood in the November general election. Hood is widely considered to be the Democratic Party’s best chance at the Governor’s Mansion for at least 16 years. Hood shares many of Waller’s ideas. Reeves predicts a similar general election strategy this year: Lob red meat attacks and pair his opponent up with national Democrats. Hood, who was elected Democratic nominee on Aug. 6, was present at Jackson’s campaign headquarters late Tuesday night after the Republican runoff. Hood, who was seeking to become the first Democratic governor since Ronnie Musgrove’s 1999 victory, praised Waller. He also stated that many of his supporters had said they would support Waller if Waller lost. “Justice Waller ran an excellent campaign, talking about the issues. As a gentleman lawyer, I’m proud of the campaign that he ran. “…Tate Reeves, on the other side, ran a negative campaign. He used labels that he didn’t believe. He doesn’t have any issues to run on. Hood explained that Hood has spent eight years caring for his corporate cronies.” Hood spoke to Mississippi Today. Hood reiterated his priorities, many of which are similar to Waller’s. Hood was critical of the tax cuts that Hood has passed over the past eight years as Senate President. These tax cuts have taken more than $750million annually from state general fund revenue. Notable: Andy Taggart was defeated by Lynn Fitch, the state treasurer. Fitch will face Jennifer Riley-Collins (ex-director of the Mississippi ACLU). To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to us today as we celebrate our Spring Member Drive.