Bryant rallies Republican troops in advance of Tuesday's election
Friday, November 4, 2011
Republican candidate for governor Phil Bryant spoke to supporters at Reed's Metals Thursday, encouraging them to participate in the Nov. 8 general election.
"Don't be apathetic and think we've got this," Bryant said. "We've got to get the vote out."
Bryant, the state's current lieutenant governor, faces Democratic candidate Johnny DuPree in the race for governor.
Word of mouth is one of the most significant factors in influencing votes, according to Bryant.
"Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers who you are going to vote for," he said.
Bryant also spoke about how he and his opponent have conducted themselves in the race.
"I have a Democratic opponent, and we have very different visions for the state," Bryant said. "But we have not attacked anyone. We have redefined how you run for office."
Bryant was joined by three Brookhaven-based candidates for state and legislative office: Becky Currie, the incumbent House District 92 candidate seeking re-election; Cindy Hyde-Smith, the current Senate District 39 senator who running for state commissioner of agriculture and commerce; and Sally Doty, running to fill Hyde-Smith's District 39 seat.
"I am so pleased to be joined by these strong Republican women," Bryant said.
Bryant had high words of praise for Hyde-Smith. He said she is someone who understands the full significance of the commerce and agriculture position.
"That word commerce in there is important," Bryant said. "It's not just about rodeos."
Hyde-Smith returned Bryant's compliment and praised his abilities on the campaign trail.
"There is no harder campaigner than Phil Bryant," Hyde-Smith said. "He is a machine."
Following his brief words, Bryant mingled and spoke with members of the crowd.
He discussed local Republican politics with John Roberts, chairman of the Lincoln County Republican Party.
With Dustin Bairfield, Republican candidate for circuit clerk, he emphasized the need for Republican candidates in local races.
"We've got a lot of sheriffs and judges that are going to have to realize, with Barack Obama in the White House they're going to have to make a change," Bryant said.
Before his left Lincoln County, Reed's Metals owner Bernie Reed took Bryant on a brief tour of the facility.
