My dear departed friend Gale Denley said years ago of his first visit to the Neshoba County Fair: "It's a lot like what I always imagined Hell would be - it's hot, it's dusty and all my friends are there."
Gale has graduated to the Fair Eternal, but the political speaking he loved so much will continue in the fair's grand tradition.
The 2009 Neshoba County Fair will be held July 24-31 with political speaking scheduled July 29-30. Fair officials released the political speaking schedule earlier this week.
Light political year
Mississippi's next courthouse to statehouse general election is still two years away in 2011. Congressional elections are a year away in 2010. There are no judicial elections scheduled this year.
For that reason, the Fair Association has limited political speaking this year to only incumbent office holders who represent Neshoba County in either the executive, legislative or judicial branches of government.
Here's the lineup:
Wednesday, July 29
• 9:30 a.m. Eighth District Attorney Mark Duncan, D-Philadelphia (I).
• 9:40 a.m. Eighth District Circuit Court Judge Vernon Cotton, Carthage.
• 9:50 a.m. Eighth District Circuit Court Marcus Gordon, Union.
• 10 a.m. State Rep. C. Scott Bounds, D-Philadelphia.
• 10:10 a.m. State Sen. Giles Ward, R-Louisville.
• 10:20 a.m. Central District Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall, R-Brandon.
• 10:30 a.m. Central District Public Service Commissioner Lynn Posey, D-Union Church.
• 10:40 a.m. State Auditor Stacey Pickering, R-Laurel.
• 10:50 a.m. Attorney General Jim Hood, D-Houston.
• 11 a.m. Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, R-Brandon.
Thursday, July 30
• 9:30 a.m. Miss. Appeals Court Justice Kenny Griffis, District 3, Place 2.
• 9:40 a.m. Miss. Supreme Court Justice Jim Kitchens, District 1, Place 3.
• 9:50 a.m. Miss. Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr., District 1, Place 1.
• 10 a.m. Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, R-Vicksburg.
• 10:10 a.m. State Treasurer Tate Reeves, R-Jackson.
• 10:20 a.m. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, R-Jackson.
• 10:40 a.m. Gov. Haley Barbour, R-Yazoo City.
Fireworks likely
Despite an "off" year with no active campaigns, political fireworks remain probable. And the politicking won't be limited merely to those with a spot on the speaking schedule.
The Neshoba County Fair remains the heartbeat of the state's love of politics as a full contact spectator sport. Active campaigns or not, expect sizeable crowds for the major speeches and come early on speech day if you want a good seat.
We'll be waiting for you. For more information, visit www.neshobacountyfair.org.
Contact Sid Salter at (601) 961-7084 or e-mail ssalter@clarionledger .com. Visit his blog at clarionledger.com. His talk radio show, On Deadline with Sid Salter, is broadcast on the SuperTalk Mississippi network.
Editorials
July 4, 2009
The lineup: Neshoba County Fair’s political speaking set to roll
- Editorials
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- Military cuts and BRAC to challenge leaders
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Governor takes lead on state budget
Sound, principled leadership is needed in times of economic uncertainty.
- A tiny little straight line fracture – the show must go on!
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Fruits of investments becoming evident
Investments by Mississippi State University and the Riley Foundation continue to breathe life into downtown Meridian.
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Questionable decision by outgoing governor
When former Gov. Haley Barbour left office last week he was supposed to enjoy a comfortable legacy as one of Mississippi's most popular governors.
- East Mississippi's position in House should strengthen
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Election day is right around the corner
Tuesday will be here before you know it.
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East Miss. welcomes new plant with open arms
If you haven't driven north of the Lauderdale County line on Highway 493 into Kemper County lately you need to.
- Incomplete arrest reports a problem
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The public deserves answers
Sometimes in life we drive down the same road in the wrong direction for miles, too stubborn to admit we need to change course or turn around. Doing so, we believe, will only serve to make our passengers question our ability to drive. They should just trust us.
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