Brad Todd, a Washington-based consultant, sent the fundraising email. He gave a glimpse into the campaign’s 2019 strategy to the top financial supporters and sought to invigorate them. In the email entitled “The Field Is Set”, Todd tried to convince the committee that Jim Hood, the Democratic front-runner in the race for the nomination, could face a “costly second round” in a highly competitive primary. Reeves also had little to worry in his primary. However, by the end of the Aug. 6, primary, it wasn’t Hood as Todd suggested in March. It was Reeves who faced a runoff. He is Todd’s client, and the heir apparent to Governor’s Mansion. Reeves and Todd navigated from Washington to implement a campaign strategy that has been questioned by political insiders this week. This was after the front-runner fell one percentage point short of avoiding a runoff against Bill Waller Jr. Todd outlined the heart of that strategy near the end. “It’s our plan to raise $5m more — that’s what it takes to beat Washington liberals who hate Donald Trump and love Jim Hood.” Todd wrote the March email. It was obtained by Mississippi Today. Reeves finance committee members verified the information. “Hood is, of course, the Democratic favorite. But navigating a field with eight candidates could force him into a costly second round.” Todd then switched the email’s focus to the Republican field which included Waller, state Rep. Robert Foster and downplayed his chances of winning. Todd wrote that both his (Republican) opponent are good candidates and serious men. He expressed hope for a respectful campaign that would strengthen and sharpen the organization for the fall. Lt. Governor was fortunate to have only two opponents. Reeves — The last time this seat was vacant, Governor Bryant faced four oppositions, three of which spent more than $500,000.” Waller, “making his first foray into a Republican primary at end of long career in politics,” Todd wrote. Reeves won the runoff after being outspent 4-to-1 by Republican lieutenant governor. Reeves spent more than $4million in the primary while Waller spent just over $1million. Foster, who had been steadily gaining momentum in the weeks before the primary, was a major factor in forcing Tuesday’s runoff. He received 18 percent of the Republican primary vote. Reeves did not spend much time on Waller’s messaging during the entire campaign. Instead, he focused on Hood defeating Hood in November. He paired Hood with national liberals such as Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, and pushed red meat issues over policy ideas. Waller was focusing from Day One on his proposals for significant public school teacher pay increases and “Medicaid Reform” to take advantage of federal funds available for the state’s rural hospital through the Affordable Care Act. Reeves also released ads about “outsiders” attacking the state’s new plates, Antifa’s protests across the country, and Congresswoman Alexandria OcasioCortez’s “Green New Deal”. Reeves stated Wednesday that he doesn’t regret his early campaign strategy. Later, he was asked if he believed he underestimated Waller’s chances of winning the primary. “We exceeded expectations (Tuesday night). We received 49 percent of the votes. Reeves stated that over 175,000 people voted for us yesterday. “I have not underestimated anyone or anything in this election. Hood watches from the sidelines as Hood wins his primary on Tuesday. Hood will be watching to see if Reeves has to fork over big money to win the general election. Reeves dramatically changed his strategy just hours after the fact of the runoff became clear. He no longer refused to acknowledge his primary opponents nor the parameters Todd set out in his March letter. Reeves held Wednesday’s news conference blasting Waller and his policies. He also discarded the “respectful campaign plan” Todd revealed in March. Reeves described Waller as a “good man”, but not a conservative, on Wednesday. He believes that progressive approaches are needed, just like the Democrats. This race has a clear winner. Are you against higher taxes or for Obamacare expansion? “You want someone who will fight the liberals or give in to their wishes.”