So, What's Up in Southern MS?

I went to a meeting of the Jackson County Republican Club on Wednesday at La Fiesta Brava.

If you are a local conservative or Republican (not always the same thing) and are not spending time with these folks, you're messing up. These are good people getting involved in what is happening and trying very hard to make a difference. You would do well to count yourself among their number.

I really enjoyed the lunch. Lyn and I, new to the group, spent most of our time with Eureka, a very lovely lady indeed.

While there, we discussed politics and planning, as you might imagine, but we also had  chance to meet Sam Britton, Republican candidate for Public Service Commissioner for southern Mississippi. I liked him straight away. Not only is he a straight shooter, but I think he read 16 20 24.

He is following all the rules. He is direct, says what he really thinks, and doesn't mind rocking the crony capitalist boat. While there is nothing particularly flashy about the man, when he speaks you want to listen. You get the impression that he is serious about the office he is running for. AND...he's got the credentials to back it up. Most critically, he is following rule number 1: Be yourself. That is the surest way to political success these days.

Unless you've lived under a rock in recent months, you know that Kemper has been a controversial issue. While Sam is not working to hurt Kemper, he is very saying, quite assertively, that he will not see Kemper become a beneficiary of the kind of crony capitalism that is running rampant across our state and this country.

Anybody who reads my stuff will know that I eschew endorsements this early in the campaign season. But I feel perfectly comfortable calling an audible here. If you were to lock Sam and I in a room with instructions to discuss everything, we'd find areas we disagree on. Some social issues; certainly religion. But I'm sure my assessment of Sam Britton would remain intact. He is a good man. He is the type of guy we need to see much more of in our political zoo - on every level.

So my first endorsement of the political year goes to Sam Britton. I wish him every good fortune.

I will be signing books at the Mullet Festival tomorrow and Sunday (17 - 18 Oct). This is my first time there. Come on out and enjoy what I am told is the best food you'll ever eat. Make sure you make time to stop by my table and say hello.

Matt Jordan is a travel writer, political commentator and author of 16 20 24. Get your SIGNED copy here! A book on his travels in Mexico and Belize will be released in the Fall of 2015.

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