During the last day of political speeches, all five major party senator candidates spoke Thursday. The Founder Square Pavilion was crowded with supporters and observers. McDaniel and Mike Espy, Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde Smith, were all represented by their supporters. In many cases, they traveled from all over the state to be there — but the McDaniel contingent was the most noisy. These three, along with Toby Bartee from Gautier, will be on the November ballot in a special election to succeed veteran Republican Thad Cchran who retired in March. Hyde-Smith was named to fill the interim post. “I love being in Washington, D.C. “There are so many wonderful things happening,” Hyde Smith said at the fair on another tolerable day in an event notorious for its oppressive heat. Hyde-Smith was the former state commissioner for agriculture and commerce. She is referring to efforts made to pass the Republican agenda, and to approve conservative federal judges. McDaniel supporters reacted with disapproval to her comments earlier in the day when he said, “Donald Trump, a fine president.” McDaniel needs fighters, and not just those who are trying to ride on his coattails at Washington, D.C.” McDaniel spoke in praise of Ronald Reagan, a former president, and spoke about governing as Republican in bold, not pastel colours. At times, however, McDaniel’s speech and cadence reminded me more of John F. Kennedy. He spoke out about the Democratic Party moving the Republican establishment to the center. He stated that other speakers on the day would affirm Washington, D.C. as normal. He spoke to a cheering crowd waving signs calling for a debate between the candidates. McDaniel said, “I believe in hope… I believe conservatism can save the country if given a chance.” He exceeded the allotted time of 10 minutes for each candidate by more that six minutes. Later that morning, Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Mike Espy (a former congressman and Agriculture Secretary under the Clinton Administration) struck a moderate tone in front of the largely conservative crowd. He criticized Washington but assured his audience that he would work “across all the aisle” once elected. “I will work alongside Democrats and with Republicans. Our leaders in Washington are failing our country, my friends. “We have to do better. We must elect people who will make their own decisions and look at all the facts. Who will do right regardless of what.” Espy responded to applause. Although Espy spoke about Democrats, he did not refer to himself as one, despite being a member of a party. Instead, Espy painted himself as a maverick following his conscience. He even went so far as telling the crowd that he would become their “independent senator” for Mississippi. The two main candidates in the regular scheduled senator election, Roger Wicker, the Republican incumbent, and David Baria, the Bay St. Louis state House Democratic leader, both hit the expected themes. Wicker, who had been unable to speak due to commitments in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, claimed that the Republican Senate and House were carrying out a conservative agenda. Wicker, who is running for his second six-year term in the U.S. Senate. He did not announce that he would speak at the fair until Wednesday afternoon. The fair draws media and political observers across the state.
Wicker stated that Mississippians must elect Republicans to repeal regulations that harm “job creaters”, to prevent the historic tax cuts of 2017 from being repealed, and to secure the appointment conservative federal judges. This year’s election is straightforward. It is a stark difference between the two approaches,” Wicker stated. Both Shawn O’Hara from the Reform Party as well as Danny Bedwell, of the Libertarian Party who are running against Wicker, gave speeches on Thursday. Wicker praised the strong economy and low unemployment. Wicker also highlighted his legislative record including the Ship Act which significantly increased the U.S. Navy’s size. Baria, like Espy, emphasized the idea that he serves the best interests of the state’s residents and not a political party. Bay St. Louis Democrat stated that he was going to Washington “for one reason: To fight on your behalf.” Baria spent a lot of his time on the podium, pointing out the apparent failings of his main opponent. He claimed Wicker has done more for large corporations than the everyday Mississippi men and women. Baria stated that he had asked Wicker for a debate many times, but has not received a reply. Baria stated, “In Mississippi I know, any man who isn’t willing stand toe to toe and defend his beliefs does not deserve your votes.” Baria and Espy both reiterated the message that Mississippians are not loyal to blind parties and said they will work with any party. Baria stated that “We need someone who will stand up against the (Mitch) McConnells, the (Chuck) Schumers, and the (Nancy) Pelosis of Washington.” “Mississippi requires somebody who doesn’t fear the president,” Baria said. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think. Republish this Story