Letter to the Editor: Republican primary “a very significant election”

Received March 19, 2019

Dear Editor,

I hope this letter finds you well. After reading your March 14, 2019 titled “2019 Union County election: fewer candidates, fewer GOP hopefuls,” and the social media comments that followed, I felt there were a few points that needed to be clarified. You are correct in stating that there are fewer Republican candidates in county races this year than four years ago. However, the 2019 Union County Republican Primary election is going to be a very significant election.

As you noted, the Union County District Three Supervisor race will be effectively decided in the Republican primary as no Democrat filed to run for that position this time. District Three covers a large  portion of Union County and those living in that district are going to have to choose to vote in the Republican Primary in order to choose their Supervisor for the next four years. This is a significant achievement for the Republican party as it is the first time this seat will not have a Democrat candidate.

There is another significant race that will be effectively decided in the Republican Primary and that is Mississippi House of Representatives District 14 Seat currently held by the retiring Margaret Rogers. Sam Creekmore and Robbins Rogers are both running as Republicans for this seat with no registered Democrat opponent. This is another seat that encompasses a significant portion of Union County so those living in this district will have to vote in the Republican Primary in order to choose their House Member.

Lastly, Mississippi Senate District Three Seat currently held by the retiring Nicky Browning has four Republican candidates and one Democrat seeking the seat. There are two Union Countians seeking this seat in the Republican Primary, Kathy Chism and Jeff Olson. This district covers all of Union County and is almost certain to stay Republican so this Primary Election, and the almost certain Runoff, will be very significant races for Union County.

Voters will have to choose to participate in the either the Republican or Democrat Primary Elections on August 5^th, they cannot participate in both. This is something of a new thing for Union County voters in local elections. Most voters are used to there being one ballot, namely Democrat, with virtually all the candidates for all offices to choose from.

This is not the case any longer, voters will have to choose one or the other. Votes for Democrat candidates cannot be cast on Republican ballots nor visa verse. Even though both parties have contracted with the county to run the Primary elections for us, they are still two separate elections and we do not pass off votes. That would be one party tampering with another party’s election.

I cannot thank all our Union County Republican Committee members and Republican Women’s Club members enough for your work in bringing us to this point. This a huge achievement for our party and our county! We have an incredibly well qualified slate of candidates that will do a fantastic job in the offices they seek. I cannot wait to see them ALL in office making and keeping Union County and Mississippi great!

Regards,

Clay Hardy, Chairman

Union County Republican Executive Committee