By Staff
A STOP IN KEWANEE n State Sen. Videt Carmichael, R-Meridian, center, campaigns Monday at the Kewanee 1 Stop as he talks to Lauderdale County residents Keith Blackwell, left, Willie Norris and Wayman Newell. In the background U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering talks to Jerry Pigford about Carmichael's campaign. Pickering joined in campaigning with Carmichael, who faces Quitman attorney Gilford F. Dabbs III, an independent, in the Nov. 4 election for the Senate District 33 seat. Photo by Kyle Carter/The Meridian Star
By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
Sept. 30, 2003
Some Kewanee residents said Monday they plan to vote this fall for the state Senate candidate they believe will protect existing jobs and help lure new ones to Mississippi.
Other area residents agreed, including Willie Norris who said he believes the state economy is the most important issue in this year's elections. Norris said he likes incumbent state Sen. Videt Carmichael.
Norris, Pigford and other residents talked about the fall elections while Carmichael stumped for votes in east Lauderdale County near the Alabama state line.
Carmichael, a Republican from Meridian, is seeking a second term as state senator from District 33. He was joined by Republican 3rd District U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering who was in Mississippi to rally support for Carmichael.
Carmichael meets independent Gilford F. Dabbs III of Quitman in the Nov. 4 election. At stake is a seat in the 52-member Mississippi Senate; District 33 includes Clarke County and part of Lauderdale County.
Dabbs said later Monday that he was unaware Pickering was campaigning for Carmichael. Said Dabbs: "Pickering is a fine man, and I guess he's here because he is a Republican and Videt is a Republican."
Pickering said he was in Lauderdale County helping Carmichael because he has proven he can do the job.
Besides Kewanee, Pickering and Carmichael made campaign stops in Quitman. Pickering had planned to join state Sen. Tommy Dickerson, R-Waynesboro, as he campaigned for votes; that, however, was canceled.
Carmichael said he is ready to serve the people of District 33 for four more years, and he is happy to have Pickering's support.
Carmichael said Mississippi's existing jobs need to be protected as well.
Kewanee residents said they like the values Carmichael represents.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Here is a look at the candidates running in the Nov. 4 general election for state Senate District 33, which includes Clarke County and part of Lauderdale County.
Videt Carmichael
Republican (incumbent)
Age: 53
Home: Meridian
Family: Wife, Donna Marie Carmichael; children, Kaycee Crane, Fredie Carmichael
Religion: New Hope Baptist Church
Education: Bachelor's and master's degrees, MSU
Experience: State senator since 2000
Gilford F. Dabbs III
Independent
Age: 61
Home: Quitman
Family: Wife, Ruth T. Dabbs; children, Amy D. Armstrong, Christy D. Johnson, Renee D. Matthews
Religion: First Baptist Church, Quitman
Education: Quitman High School; bachelor's and law degrees, Ole Miss
Experience: Practicing attorney for 32 years; law practice includes representing county and city government bodies