Some Golden Triangle political leaders are throwing their support behind U.S. presidential candidates.
Mississippi’s Republican and Democratic party primaries are Tuesday. Voters will choose between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary. In the Republican primary, it’s Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Marco Rubio or Donald Trump.
A few local politicians, from mayors to area lawmakers, have committed their support to candidates with the primary looming.
District 37 Rep. Gary Chism (R-Columbus) said he endorsed Trump for the Republican nominee.
Chism said he likes Trump because the candidate speaks his mind and is not afraid to ruffle feathers. He said he supports Trump’s plan to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
“I want to stop illegal immigration and Donald Trump says he’s going to stop it,” Chism said. “He says we’re going to build that wall. I want to see that wall built. Can you believe that the strongest military nation on Earth can’t stop these folks from crossing the Mexican border? I’m sick of it.”
Chism dismissed concerns that Trump might not be conservative enough to be the party’s nominee. Chism also said he doesn’t have any concerns about the party unifying, should Trump claim the nomination.
“Hillary is going to win for the Democrats and Donald Trump is going to win for the Republicans,” Chism said. “There isn’t a single Republican that I know of that could even contemplate voting for Hillary Clinton.”
On the other side, District 41 Rep. Kabir Karriem (D-Columbus) said he will support Clinton for the Democratic nomination.
“I’ve given it some thought, and while I agree with some of the things Mr. Sanders has brought up, I think it’s time to support Hillary Clinton,” Karriem said. “I just think her overwhelming career being on the front line of issues pertaining to the middle class, pertaining to Medicaid and Medicare, and her record of public service makes her the best choice.”
District 17 Sen. Chuck Younger told The Dispatch he will support Kasich for the Republican nomination.
“He’s a common man and acts like a grown up,” Younger said. “Plus, he has a proven record in Ohio.”
Some area lawmakers have not endorsed anyone.
District 38 Rep. Tyrone Ellis (D-Starkville) said he’s taking a wait-and-see approach before he makes a decision.
“I’ve done it in the past,” Ellis said. “Right now, I still want to see how it shakes out.”
District 39 Rep. Jeff Smith (R-Columbus) said he does not plan to endorse any candidate.
“Gary (Chism ) is my desk mate so, obviously, I hear a whole lot about Donald Trump,” Smith said. “I don’t think it’d be appropriate for me to endorse anybody. I guess I should wait and see what my state is going to do.”
Mayors
Two of the Golden Triangle’s mayors have indicated support for a presidential candidate.
Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman said he endorsed Hillary Clinton.
“I think she is the person most capable of putting in place policies that will ensure the greatest opportunity for prosperity and success for all Americans,” Wiseman said. “I’ve known for quite some time that I will be voting for her. The campaign reached out last week about if I would be willing (to endorse Clinton) and I said I would.”
Columbus Mayor Robert Smith said he personally supports Hillary, but wants citizens to vote for whoever they personally feel is the best candidate.
“I encourage everyone to do research or study all candidates in all the races,” Smith said. “Informed voters help make decisions that lead our country, state and cities. I want to leave those final decisions to voters.”
West Point Mayor Robbie Robinson said he has never endorsed a candidate and won’t for the primary.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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