/Top vote getters Sherman, Guest balk at debate invites

Top vote getters Sherman, Guest balk at debate invites

David Baria, a state representative, said that he had emailed Howard Sherman (his opponent in the Democratic primary to the U.S. Senate) for a debate, but was not able to get a response. The most watched Republican contest on Tuesday was won by Michael Guest, the District Attorney in Rankin and Madison Counties. He received 28,720 votes (45 percent). Whit Hughes, who was involved in economic development, hospital administration and other areas, received 14,250 votes (22 percent). Sherman, who won Baria by 800 votes on Tuesday, did not rule out a debate. However, he indicated to Mississippi Today that he would like to concentrate his efforts elsewhere until June 26. Sherman stated in a statement to Mississippi Today that he has three weeks left to travel across the state to meet voters and present my new ideas. Sherman said, “I am a businessman who believes in solutions-based approaches.” Mississippi’s 50th rank in the nation is still a question for career politicians. I have real solutions for Mississippi. We can make this a great place. I am willing to travel anywhere to meet with anyone who is interested in changing politics and getting things done for Mississippi. There are no excuses. Mississippi deserves better.” Sherman is an entrepreneur and husband to Sela Ward, a well-known Mississippi actress. He won the most votes from a crowded Democratic ticket in the Senate race currently being held by Roger Wicker. On Tuesday, he received 27,358 votes (31.9 percent). Baria, a Gulf Coast lawyer and state House minority leader, received 26,568 (31.0%) votes. Whit Hughes challenged Michael Guest to debate in the Republican nomination race for the third congressional district. Guest, who defeated Hughes by 14,000 votes on Tuesday, has declined to debate. “Michael Guest felicitates Whit Hughes for running a strong campaign, including the 12 debates, forums, and other activities they’ve both participated in throughout the campaign,” Rob Pillow (communications director for Guest’s campaign), told Mississippi Today in response Hughes’ invitation to debate. “Between June 26th and now, Michael’s main focus will be on continuing work in all 24 county in the district to meet with voters directly and ask them for their support in this runoff election,” Pillow, guest’s communications director, said in response to Hughes’ invitation to debate. Hughes also wrote that there were serious differences between a forum with six candidates and a debate with two. Pam Shaw, the political director of the Baria campaign, stated that Mississippians should have the chance to hear both candidates speak on the issues. Shaw stated that David Baria’s track record is one of public service. Based on his record at the Mississippi Legislature, we know where he stands on issues. Howard Sherman is not where we are. We don’t know where Howard Sherman stands.