Reeves indicated that he could announce his candidacy between the November midterms to the start of the 2019 legislative session. However, Hood warned Mississippians that Hood would destroy any economic or social gains made during his two terms as lieutenant- governor. Reeves said that if a liberal were elected to the office of governor in Mississippi, all the progress made under conservative rule would be lost. Reeves said that making Mississippi the safest state in America for unborn children is not his priority. He also supported a 2018 bill that would have banned abortions within the state for 15 weeks. Reeves may be able to appeal to an economic base that is satisfied with Mississippi’s recent economic performance, but Hood’s main campaign strategy is to counter Reeves optimistic economic outlook and offer alternative solutions for problems such as underperforming public schools or crumbling infrastructure. Hood criticised the tax cuts in his Oct. 3 announcement speech, noting that most of them are financially beneficial to corporations. Reeves and Republican leaders enacted the largest tax cut in state history. They eliminated the corporate franchise tax, which was a huge boost to the state’s coffers. In fiscal 2016, 78 percent of franchise taxes were paid by corporations based in the Magnolia State, which is home to many large political contributors each year. Hood stated in his announcement speech that he was tired of watching our tax dollars go overseas to large corporations. Hood stated that 78 percent of the tax cuts that were imposed on us last year went to large, outside-of-state companies. This didn’t help main street merchants. Our future depends on small businesses. Our future is our small businesses. Reeves stated Monday that if conservative legislators have to negotiate with liberals in the executive branch, then you’ll get watered-down legislation. You won’t get the same kind of conservative legislation that we have passed over the past seven years. It will change the trajectory and direction of our state.” But, if the current legislative numbers are maintained after 2019, Republicans would not have enough support in either house to override the governor’s veto. Reeves spent months trying to match Hood with national Democrats. Reeves repeatedly mentioned Hood in his Neshoba Country Fair speech in July. Reeves mentioned these leaders again in Monday’s radio interview. The talking points have been used by Republicans throughout the state. Lucien Smith, the state GOP chairman, telegraphed these strategies in a brief statement after Hood announced his candidacy. Smith stated that the Governor is not the chief prosecutor. He’s the chief policymaker. Next year’s election will determine what policy Mississippians want from the government. They can keep the Republican policies that resulted in record-setting unemployment, increased educational opportunities, protection of our second amendment rights, and protected the unborn. They can also vote for Chuck Schumer or Barack Obama, which will bring more taxes, regulation and freedom, as well as higher taxes. We look forward to the discussion.