Who's Next?

Anti-incumbent sentiment throws out some veterans

... In the Legislature, Erik Fleming, D-Clinton, lost the House seat he was first elected to in 1999, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Tommy Robertson, R-Moss Point, was trailing 20 points behind his primary opponent. Robertson, who's held the seat since 1992, drew criticism for killing a cigarette tax increase and grocery tax decrease plan.



Watson upsets Robertson
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
By AMBER CRAIG
The Mississippi Press

PASCAGOULA -- Newcomer Michael Watson apparently defeated longtime incumbent state Sen. Tommy Robertson as of 11 p.m. and with 23 of 20 precincts voting. (Ed's note: What the hell?)

Robertson received 2,730 votes, or 39 percent, and Watson had claimed 4,228, or 61 percent. A total of 6,959 people voted in the race.

The winner will face off against Democratic candidate and former Gautier legislator Ray Vecchio in the general election Nov. 6. Vecchio garnered 1,026 votes with 17 of 23 precincts reported.

Votes counts are unofficial.

Watson, a Pascagoula native who practices law for a local defense firm, has said his top priorities include fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program every year, creating more jobs in the state, promoting family values and listening to the needs of the community.

Watson has also said that rebuilding local businesses after Hurricane Katrina should take initial priority over attracting new, out-of-state business.

"I want to work on the businesses we have now," Watson said in a July interview with The Mississippi Press. "I want to build local business first. Then let's worry about bringing in outside business."