Mississippi News
Gunn withdraws from fundraiser for former Democrat Shanda Yates
After Republicans complain, Speaker Gunn withdraws from fundraiser for former Democrat Shanda Yates
After blowback from House Republicans, Speaker Philip Gunn and Speaker Pro Tem Jason White have backed out of hosting a fundraiser for former Democratic Rep. Shanda Yates, now an independent.
Gunn and White wrote a mea culpa to the House GOP caucus on Thursday. In their memo, they said, “We believe she is considering joining our party and hope she will,” and said they agreed to help with her fundraiser in an effort to get her to join the Republican Party. They said Yates has “voted with Republicans a large portion of the time, which got her kicked out of the Democratic Party.”
But Gunn and White participating in the fundraiser rankled many Republican House members, who said Yates still votes often with Democrats and is backed by some liberal groups. In their memo, the GOP House leaders acknowledged, “Shanda certainly has some liberal ideas and has cast some liberal votes.”
“In hindsight, as your elected Speaker and Pro Tem, we should not have agreed to host the reception unless she switched party affiliation,” Gunn and White wrote. “… because of the reservations expressed by us to many of you, we have informed Shanda that we will not be able to go forward with hosting or attending any reception for a candidate who is not the member of the Republican Party.”
READ MORE: Mississippi Democrats lost a promising up-and-comer in Rep. Shanda Yates. Now what?
Yates on Friday did not immediately respond to a request for comment and question of whether she is considering a switch to Republican.
Rep. Becky Currie, R-Brookhaven, on social media on Thursday blasted Gunn and White for planning to host the fundraiser and wrote, “The world has turned upside down!”
“The Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Pro-Tem raising money for the most liberal members of the House,” Currie wrote. “She voted against pro-life abortion bills and the Fairness Act which keeps males out of female sports … The Speaker has informed lobbyist (sic) to send money to him and not legislators so we are able to run for re-election and he will decide how and who the money will be spent on. I guess this is his pick.”
Members of the Mississippi Freedom Caucus, which includes a small group of conservative House members, issued a press release Thursday calling on “Gunn and White to disavow liberal Shanda Yates.”
“Yates, who beat out a longtime Republican Bill Denny, ran under a far-left progressive platform,” the release said. “… During her time in the Legislature, Yates has authored bill to remove the prohibition on same-sex marriage, allow gay couples to adopt children, allow for early voting and online voter registration and several bills to expand Medicaid … This is certainly a new low for the Republican leadership in the Mississippi Legislature to help fundraise for a legislator that holds such extreme liberal views.”
The release also described White, seen as longtime Speaker Gunn's heir apparent, as “former-Democrat turned Republican Speaker Pro Tem Jason White.” White was first elected to the House as a Democrat in 2011, but switched to Republican in late 2012 and has been a top lieutenant on Gunn's GOP leadership team.
Yates of Jackson is in her first term representing the District 64 House seat, taking office in 2020. In January, Yates announced she was switching to independent because “members of my own caucus and party made it clear that I was not wanted within the Democratic Party.”
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
George Robinson’s family rejects Jackson’s settlement offer
SUMMARY: Attorneys for George Robinson's sister reject the City of Jackson's settlement offer of $17,000. Robinson died two days after a police encounter involving former officer Anthony Fox in 2019. Wade filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming her brother was killed by the officer. Fox was initially convicted in Robinson's death but the Mississippi Court of Appeals reversed the conviction due to insufficient evidence in January 2024. In August 2022, Fox was sentenced to five years in prison for culpable negligence manslaughter. He returned to work for the City of Clinton as a K9 narcotics detective.
The post George Robinson's family rejects Jackson's settlement offer appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Louisville reflects on impact of deadly tornado
SUMMARY: WSLM radio is receiving calls from individuals sharing their survival stories from a devastating tornado that struck Louisville, Mississippi on April 28, 2014. The tornado took 10 lives and destroyed over 450 homes. Survivors like Jim Mcadory and Speedy Calvert recount their experiences, highlighting the emotional impact and memories from that fateful day. Despite rebuilding and moving forward, mental scars and issues still linger for many. Mayor Will Hill emphasizes the importance of preparedness and the city's response to the disaster. As the 10th anniversary of the storm approaches, the community remembers and commemorates those who were lost.
The post Louisville reflects on impact of deadly tornado appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Woman says she pulled gun to stop potential robber
SUMMARY: Sharion Long, owner of S&E security in Columbus, encountered a suspicious individual attempting to break into her car. She pointed a gun at him, causing him to flee. Darnell Madison from the Columbus Police Department advises reporting such incidents to prevent future crimes. He emphasizes the right to defend oneself with a firearm if feeling threatened. Long recommends solo travelers arm themselves and stay vigilant. It is suggested to report suspicious activity and follow safety precautions. This incident highlights the importance of being prepared and alert in potentially dangerous situations.
The post Woman says she pulled gun to stop potential robber appeared first on www.wcbi.com
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
What this means for local schools
-
228Sports4 days ago
From Heartbreak to Hoop Dreams: Pascagoula Panthers Springboard from Semifinal Setback to College Courts
-
Mississippi News4 days ago
2 dead, 6 hurt in shooting at Memphis, Tennessee block party: police
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Willis Miller sentenced to 45 years in prison, mandatory
-
Mississippi News3 days ago
Forest landowners can apply for federal emergency loans
-
Mississippi Today7 days ago
The unlikely Mississippi politician who could tank Medicaid expansion
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Burnsville man arrested in Prentiss County on drug related charges
-
Mississippi News2 days ago
Cicadas expected to takeover north Mississippi counties soon