Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in Clarksdale. My father was Mayor of Clarksdale in the early 1970 's. He was the youngest Mayor in the State and died in office at the age of 35 when I was 6. My mom has taught in the public school system in Clarksdale for over 40 years and my stepfather has been in the banking business for over 40 years as well. I graduated from Lee Academy in 1987 and Bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from Ole Miss received. I have a J.D. degree from Ole Miss law school, and an LL.M. in taxation from the University of Florida School of law. In addition to acting as Chairman of the Republican Party of Mississippi, I'm a lawyer at the Watkins firm in Jackson & Eager.
Why are you a Republican?
My first real experience with comparing the Republican and democratic parties was the presidential race of 1980. I remember very clearly how strong and comforting Ronald Reagan was in a time when the threat of a nuclear war with the former Soviet Union was part of the daily discussion. I also remember the stark contrast between Reagan's confident presence and Jimmy Carter, who appeared weak. Basically, I am a Republican because I believe in limited Government and very strongly feel that the Government is not the solution for every socio-economic problem that we face. Many times an intrusive, useless Government force in our personal or business lives and our party needs to against that trend.
What are the basics? Is there a difference between Mississippi Republicans and the national party?
The core principles of both the national and the State Republican party are: 1) limited Government; 2) low taxes, and; 3) a strong national defence. Many things stem from these principles as our position against the President's new health care program. An advantage of we have about the Democratic Party in Mississippi is harmony with the National Republican party. Many times Mississippi Democrat elected officials will have to distance themselves from the national liberal leaders of the Democratic Party. Republicans in Mississippi, however, are very comfortable and supportive of the views of the National Republican party.
What are your goals as President?
I want the Republican party more active, disciplined and always expanding. We must actively communicate with our membership and local parties as they are the lifeblood of our organisation party State. Now we have so many Republicans in office, we have to be disciplined and to ensure that we reduce our differences with that of principle and not fight among themselves. Finally, let us not as a party. We must continue to expand our range and ready to defend our success at any level.
The GOP has caught all but one statewide office and majorities in the legislature possesses. What's next for Mississippi Republicans?
There are still areas in our State where voters support Republicans at the national level but not at the State level. There are also areas where we have Republican lawmakers but conservative local officials who feel that they need to run as a Democrat. We are determined to change that. The most important thing for us to do now, is however reign. If our elected Republican leaders enact good policy, will then take care of politics itself.
Former Governor Haley Barbour brought party discipline. It will remain under the new leaders?
All political leaders have their own unique style of governance. I worked closely with gov. Barbour during the years he was in office and have also worked very closely with gov. Bryant on a daily basis. They are different but obviously both very effectively. With more than 20 years experience in or with the legislator, is gov. Bryant unique positioned to ensure that his Government is successful. Insofar as the key to the party discipline in general I think will happen if all our elected officials and staff are committed to working together. I am convinced that this will be the case, because ultimately it is in the best interest of our State, the Republican Party and each of the individual elected officials.
What do you think about how the GOP presidential primary in Mississippi ended?
The Mississippi Republican Party was very fortunate this year as a relevant and important part of the struggle for the Republican nomination for President. Multiple candidates came to Mississippi to campaign in almost every corner of our State. This was an excellent opportunity for our soldiers to meet these candidates and hear from Members why they want to be close to the president of the United States. Mississippi Republicans are of course interested in the same thing as Republicans nationwide, which makes a term a president Barack Obama. The Republican primary in Mississippi was obviously a tight race of the three-man with little separation between the candidates. Even though it seems as if Santorum got more total votes, he will win about one more delegate than Romney and Gingrich.
What was the largest political affect you personally?
The greatest political influence on me without a doubt was the conservative movement that began after Bill Clinton was elected in 1992 and in the Republican revolution of 1994 converted. I was at the time and begin to focus more and more on politics and things other than law school in Oxford in Domino's Pizza. I was fascinated by the Contract with America that resulted in the historic election campaign and how we saw that year. There were good lessons during that period of what to do and what not to do.
You ran for the legislature in 2003. Do you think you would ever run for office again?
That would obviously depend on the circumstances and a provision of my highest and best use at the time. I never thought I would be the Chairman of the State Republican party. I'm only the 11th State President in the history of our party, so of course it is a huge honor for me. There's no question this is the right place for me at this time instead of a public office. Becomes President offers me the opportunity to travel all over the State and not only build our party but also an advocate for issues and policies that affect our future. I'm gov. Bryant and the Executive State Committee very grateful for giving me this honor.
-Editorial Director David Hampton
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