JACKSON, Miss.–The campaign for Phil Bryant to remain the governor of Mississippi has a new dynamic after Thursday’s announcement by state Democrats: a challenger. She called Bryant out on several issues and now his camp says Bryant is “ready for this campaign”.
Vicki Slater, 58, of Madison, said Bryant and the Republican leadership have failed Mississippi.
“There can be no argument that government is morally obligated to keep its citizens safe, educate its children, look out for those who cannot look out for themselves, and be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money. I am running for governor because Phil Bryant has miserably failed to meet those obligations,” said Slater.
She has never held public office, but did run in 2012 against Cong. Gregg Harper (R-3rd District).
Bryant’s campaign responded immediately with a news release.
“Governor Phil Bryant is ready for this campaign about Mississippi’s future and about his record of accomplishments – accomplishments like bringing more companies and jobs here, growing personal incomes, lower unemployment numbers, transformational education reform, and a reduction in teen pregnancy,” said Shad White, Campaign Manager for Governor Phil Bryant.
“Through the Governor’s leadership, guided by conservative principles, Mississippi has balanced budgets, filled the Rainy Day savings fund, and become one of the ten best states in America for economic development. We’ve also passed a $100 million teacher pay raise and increased accountability to parents in our school system. All that means we are well-positioned to bring even more opportunities to our state and to run a strong campaign on that vision of the future.”
Bryant is running for his second term. The general election is in November.
