Magnolia Tribune

Substitute Democratic Secretary of State candidate Pinkins “in it to win it” but still has an eye on U.S. Senate bid

Published

3 weeks ago

September 12, 2023

Pinkins' entry in the Secretary of State race could provide the Mississippi Democrat with a boost in name ID heading into his 2024 U.S. Senate bid.

Last week, the Mississippi Democratic Party tapped Ty Pinkins to be the substitute candidate in the Secretary of State race in this November's General Election. Pinkins replaced Shuwaski Young as the Democratic nominee on the ballot after Young withdrew for health reasons.

READ MORE: Pinkins tapped as substitute Democratic candidate in Secretary of State race

It is no secret that the Mississippi Democratic Party's bench is slim as the Magnolia State has increasingly moved to the right over the last 20 years with Republicans, who once struggled to fill a phone booth, now the dominate political party in state government.

To some onlookers, Pinkins' recruitment by new Democratic Party Chairman Cheikh Taylor was an odd choice given that the Delta attorney had already been campaigning for the U.S. Senate for nine months and was the presumptive nominee heading into the March 2024 Primary Election. However, as Pinkins campaign manager Bernie Miller told Magnolia Tribune on Tuesday, Secretary of State is one of the four highest offices in the state and the party could not let that office go uncontested.

Miller said Pinkins answered Chairman Taylor's call to serve mainly out of his point of view that the voters of Mississippi deserve a choice in the election.

“Someone had to step into that position in order to preserve what our elections are all about, which is choosing your leaders, and having good candidates to choose from amongst,” Miller said.

Still others view Pinkins' entry as a means for him to further raise his name recognition in hopes of better competing in next year's federal election.

Fundraising for the Democrat's bid for the U.S. Senate seat was nearly nonexistent, as Pinkins has reportedly raised just over $44,000 this calendar year with close to $8,000 cash on hand, according to the last Federal Election Commission filing from July. In comparison, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, the incumbent Republican favored to be the GOP nominee next year, is currently sitting on over $4.2 million cash on hand.

Pinkins' campaign manager did not shy away for the reality that the Secretary of State run does provide an opportunity to gain more name recognition.

“Yes, this will provide Ty with a significant boost in name recognition—and just as importantly, create an atmosphere where people will be more urgently interested in meeting Ty and listening to what he has to say now, since he's on this year's ballot,” Miller said.

Miller said Pinkins' campaign motto is, “You talk. I listen. We do!” Miller said these next two months allows Pinkins to further engage and encourage people to approach him with what's on their minds.

“That's why we've been on the road so much, because Ty believes that the very best thing a politician, and an elected official, can do is to actually listen to voters instead of just talking at them—which is what happens so often,” Miller said.

When asked if Pinkins was suspending his U.S. Senate campaign during the months ahead to run for Secretary of State or if he was still running for Senate at the same time, his campaign manager told Magnolia Tribune that their focus was winning this November.

“Let's basically say that in regard to the Secretary of State race, he's in it to win it,” Miller said on Tuesday. “What we will be doing up until November 7 is focusing entirely on trying to win the Secretary of State race.”

Miller said many of the things that Pinkins will have to speak on during the state election are exactly the same matters that he would be dealing with as a potential U.S. Senator, namely protection and expansion of voting rights to eligible citizens, attracting businesses to Mississippi that provide secure, satisfying, and well-paying jobs, and working with the appropriate other agencies and authorities to make sure our state has the infrastructure to attract businesses and create economic opportunities, among other issues.

Miller said Pinkins decided to join the Secretary of State race because, while there are some potential downsides to doing so if he is going to contest for the U.S. Senate, “they are far more than balanced by the upsides.”

“Obviously, name recognition is always a huge obstacle when you are running against someone like Senator Wicker,” Miller said, noting the reality that name recognition has been a problem for all our Democratic candidates this year.

Miller said running for Secretary of State allows Pinkins to address the problem while showing voters that Democratic Party policies “are going to be the best and most sensible for them.”

When asked if Pinkins were elected as Secretary of State would he serve his four years or continue his run for the U.S. Senate in 2024, Miller said that was difficult to address at this point, “as until last Wednesday we really hadn't at all thought about anything except the Senate race.”

“Ty has had to hit the ground running, literally, for this new opportunity to serve. The reason Ty accepted the State Democratic Party's invitation to step into the race was because the Secretary of State's office is hugely important to all our citizens,” Miller said. “Particularly as it oversees voting and elections – at a time when we need to reassure people that our elections are secure and fair, and that everyone who has the right to vote gets to do so – and it has so much to do with generating economic opportunity for our state which we sorely need so we can start working our way off the bottom of so many rankings of wealth, economic security, and economic opportunity.”

Ty Pinkins (Photo from the Pinkins campaign)

Miller said if Pinkins were to win the Secretary of State race, “having him in that office for a full term would quite possibly—I'll even say probably—be the best way for him to serve the people of Mississippi.”

“And that is his ultimate aim, to do the best he can for the people of our state—all of them,” Miller added.

As for which seat would be his goal, Miller said Pinkins, a relatively young man at 49 years old, has a lot of energy for the opportunities ahead of him.

“If elected, Ty would certainly put all his efforts into serving the people of Mississippi well and successfully,” Miller said. “If his performance in that office persuaded people he was indeed suited for higher office, then given Ty's age I'm sure he'd examine those possibilities.”

Miller said the campaign is looking forward to the two-month stretch as it gives Pinkins a real chance to listen to voters.

“We've already been doing that for nearly nine months at this point, and this will just accelerate that process—which is a good thing,” Miller said.

Pinkins will face incumbent Republican Secretary of State Michael Watson in the November General Election.

Pinkins filed his state campaign organization paperwork on Monday, September 11th. He does not show any campaign donations at this juncture. Watson, however, reported nearly $884,000 cash on hand in the July reporting period.

The post Substitute Democratic Secretary of State candidate Pinkins “in it to win it” but still has an eye on U.S. Senate bid appeared first on Magnolia Tribune.

…

By: Frank Corder
Title: Substitute Democratic Secretary of State candidate Pinkins “in it to win it” but still has an eye on U.S. Senate bid

Published Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2023 18:17:49 +0000

Post Views: 76

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Magnolia Tribune

History in the U.S. House: McCarthy ousted as Speaker

Published

2 hours ago

October 3, 2023

Staff Editor

For the first time in U.S. history, the House has voted to remove the Speaker following a motion to vacate the chair. Eight Republicans joined all Democrats to oust Kevin McCarthy.

The first time in 113 years, the U.S. House of Representatives has voted on a motion to vacate the chair.

And first the time in U.S. history, the House has voted to remove the Speaker.

With eight Republicans joining all Democrats, Kevin McCarthy has been removed as Speaker by a vote of 216-210 and a new vote for Speaker will be forthcoming as members chart an unprecedented path forward.

The California Democrat was Speaker for 269 days.

The move to vacate the chair came after Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz filed the motion to vacate after the House agreed to a 45-day spending resolution that averted a federal government shutdown on Saturday. Ninety Republicans and one Democrat voted against the stopgap spending measure that was ultimately agreed to in the Senate and signed by President Joe Biden.

Today, the eight Republicans joining all Democrats in ousting McCarthy were:

Andy Biggs, Arizona
Ken Buck, Colorado
Tim Burchett, Tennessee
Eli Crane, Arizona
Matt Gaetz, Florida
Bob Good, Virginia
Nancy Mace, South Carolina
Matt Rosendale, Montana

Mississippi's three Republican Congressional members – Trent Kelly (MS-1), Michael Guest (MS-3) and Mike Ezell (MS-4) – all voted to keep McCarthy just as they did when they each supported him for Speaker in January throughout all 15 rounds of voting.

However, all three Mississippi Congressmen were among the 90 Republicans who voted against the spending bill passed on Saturday.

Congressman Patrick Henry of North Carolina will serve as acting Speaker until a permanent replacement is elected by the body.

The two parties will now meet to decide their nominees for the upcoming Speaker election. Democrats are likely to put forward their leader Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York just as they did in January.

As for the Republicans, it is unclear at this point whether McCarthy loyalists will urge him to attempt a comeback or if the caucus will put forward a new candidate that can unite their members and end the drama.

The post History in the U.S. House: McCarthy ousted as Speaker appeared first on Magnolia Tribune.

…

By: Frank Corder
Title: History in the U.S. House: McCarthy ousted as Speaker

Published Date: Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:34:14 +0000

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.biloxinewsevents.com/henifin-to-oversee-jackson-sewer-system-along-with-water-services/

Post Views: 3

Magnolia Tribune

Henifin to oversee Jackson sewer system along with water services

Published

3 hours ago

October 3, 2023

Staff Editor

The court order comes after additional concerns of overflows from the wastewater system.

Ted Henifin, who has been the third-party appointed manager over the city of Jackson's water system since late 2022, has now officially taken on managing the city's sewer system.

In May of this year, U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate indicated he planned to put Henifin over the sewer system. That order became official on Saturday.

JXN Water, the company Henifin started in order to manage the water system, commented on the recent decision saying they will work for the next four years to address the wastewater issues.

“Having raw sewage flow down the streets of Jackson is unacceptable. JXN Water is aggressively at work right now to fix sewer overflows and restore sanitary sewer operations,” said Ted Henifin, interim third-party manager for Jackson's drinking water and sewer systems. “There are about 215 overflows right now across the city and they're in neighborhoods where people live close by…. you got businesses, cars driving through, people trying to walk their dogs. They don't want to walk near this. It causes them to have to take alternate routes. It's just a mess, and we're going to get at it right away.”

Prior to the announcement, there was a 30-day public comment period in which 95% of those who came forward showed overwhelming support for the appointment of a third-party manager.

The sewer system has been under scrutiny by the EPA, Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality, and Department of Environmental Quality since 2013. Currently, as mentioned by Henifin, the system is experiencing at least 215 overflows which is down from March 2020 when over 460 overflows were reported.

According to the order, between March 2020 and February 2022 over 110 million gallons of wastewater were leaking and left untreated due to the overflows. The court also recognizes that $125 million has been authorized for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design and construct improvements to the sewer system and water system in the city.

JXN Water recently sent mailers out to residents informing that they could face water shut offs moving forward if they do not pay their bills.

Henifin determined that JXN Water would only bill residents' balances back to December 2022 and forward. This is largely due to issues in collecting balances on meters that had been unreliable in the past. However, the city, separate from JXN Water, will still have authority to collect prior to that date.

JXN Water reported that as of now no customers have experienced water shut offs.

The post Henifin to oversee Jackson sewer system along with water services appeared first on Magnolia Tribune.

…

By: Sarah Ulmer
Title: Henifin to oversee Jackson sewer system along with water services

Published Date: Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:59:52 +0000

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.biloxinewsevents.com/mama-brings-together-resources-for-mothers-seeking-assistance/

Post Views: 4

Magnolia Tribune

MAMA brings together resources for mothers seeking assistance

Published

6 hours ago

October 3, 2023

Staff Editor

A new website and app will provide a one-stop shop for mothers who are seeking financial aid options, healthcare resources, childcare, adoption, or pregnancy information in Mississippi.

The Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance (MAMA) website is now up and running for mothers in the state looking for additional resources.

The program, implemented by the Mississippi Legislature in 2023 through SB 2781, is housed in the Attorney General's office. The website and mobile app are intended to connect pregnant women and new mothers with resources in Mississippi.

According to the legislation authored by State Senator Bart Williams, the law requires the inclusion of resources, services and information through private organizations and public agencies. These resources are to be pulled together by the Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) and overseen by the Attorney General's office.

Senator Williams said the bill came after conversations with colleague Senator Nicole Boyd, who has chaired the Women, Children, and Families committee in the Senate, in hopes of providing real action to the pro-life agenda.

“We need to be doing something that brings the resources together. That was kind of the genesis of it,” said Williams. “To be anti-abortion is an opinion but to be pro-life is an action.”

Information will come from agencies like Department of Health, Department of Mental Health, the Department of Human Services, Department of Child Protective Services, Workforce Development, Employment Security and the Division of Medicaid. The site and app will also have links to county health departments.

The app outlines nine major categories: Pregnancy, Health, Adoption, Food, Goods, Safety, Money, Child Care, and Jobs.

Women who seek out services from MAMA can find ways to receive a free pregnancy test or ultrasound, as well as visit a center with baby essentials and even birthing and parenting classes. In addition, how to enroll in Medicaid or find healthcare resources is referenced as part of the site.

The site and app provides information on adoption agencies, how to receive food benefits, financial aid or government benefits, jobs and childcare options.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch said public and private entities who are interested in participating in the resource can fill out an application form at www.mama.ms.gov.

“It's exciting because it's public and private, bringing all the resources together to provide opportunities for the mother or mother-to-be to look right there and see what's available,” said Fitch.

This program comes as part of The Empowerment Project, an initiative within the Attorney General's office. The project has supported legislation to promote workplace flexibility, quality affordable childcare, address issues in the foster care and adoption system, and child support enforcement.

“We think about goods and as mothers you're going to need a lot of goods. Whether it's diapers or wipes, cribs and strollers. It helps them have access to that,” said Fitch.

She added there is a safety component to the resource as well, giving women information on how to seek out legal counsel or domestic violence assistance.

Fitch said the website will give women and families the ability to access available jobs and workforce development programs that will aid them in the pursuit of a career and financial ability to provide for themselves and their families. She emphasized that none of the efforts are new programs, but rather existing resources. MAMA is merely a way of streamlining the search process to locate the resources most needed.

“Again, trying to look at every level that might uplift and empower these mothers to be and certainly provide assistance to their children,” said Fitch.

The mobile app is expected to launch in January 2024.

The post MAMA brings together resources for mothers seeking assistance appeared first on Magnolia Tribune.

…

By: Sarah Ulmer
Title: MAMA brings together resources for mothers seeking assistance

Published Date: Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:01:05 +0000

Post Views: 29