The Aug. 6 primary election is less than one month away, and we can expect the political atmosphere to get warmer as the day approaches.
A literal handful of Tallahatchie County officeholders will be able to relax on that fateful Tuesday, as Chancery Clerk Anita Mullen Greenwood, District 2 Constable Clifton H. Bailey, District 1 Justice Court Judge Steve Ross, District 2 Justice Court Judge Denise Washington and Tax Assessor/Collector Dorothy M. Martin are unopposed for re-election.
All other county and county district incumbents must win their case in the court of public opinion, at the ballot box.
Incumbent Circuit Clerk Daphane Neal faces a challenge from fellow Democrat Monica Presley.
Incumbent District 1 Constable Jerry “Bubba” Williams will meet Frank Chambers III and former longtime constable Jimmy N. Manues in the Democratic primary. Independent Melody Smith awaits the nominee in November.
Incumbent Coroner Ginger Smith Meriwether faces fellow Democratic candidates Hope Clark and Anthony “Tony” Hawkins in the upcoming primary.
Incumbent County Attorney Carol Jones Turner will square off against fellow Democrat and Charleston lawyer Lance D. Tennyson.
The sheriff’s race may hold the most intrigue for many people. There are 11 candidates vying for the seat previously held by longtime sheriff William Brewer, who is now serving a six-year prison sentence for extorting bribes from a drug dealer.
Former sheriff’s deputy and justice court judge Jimmy Fly is the incumbent sheriff, having been appointed to the post by the Board of Supervisors following Brewer’s resignation last August. Fly is seeking to win formal election to the slot this year.
Fly has competition from fellow Democrats Maurice D. Brooks, Lloyd “007” Denton, Michael German, Clifton Earl Harris, Brandon R. Hodges, Jean Marie Hooper, John A. Page Sr., Donnie L. Tenner and Terry Tyler. Independent Rodzinski Weekly will be on the November ballot.
District 1 Supervisor Kenneth “Buck” Havens faces fellow Democrat Zipora Hudson. Independent Randy E. Bonner awaits the nominee.
District 2 Supervisor Johnny Goodwin is challenged by fellow Democrat KaShaumie Truly on Aug. 6. Independents Bryan Roberson and Leon Smith will watch and wait.
In District 3, Supervisor Larry Cole meets fellow Democrats Roger Allbritton, Pate Brown III and Philip Ross next month.
District 4 Supervisor Marcus Echols has competition from fellow Democrats William McClellan and Lacy Murphey.
District 5 Supervisor Eddie J. Meeks is matched up against former supervisor Cary D. Hayes.
With summer’s sizzle bearing down, expect the campaign trail to heat up, too.
NOTE: An earlier version of this column listed Justin Booth as a Republican candidate for District 3 supervisor. However, he has withdrawn.
