JACKSON, MISS–Today the team of Mississippi leaders endorsing Governor John Kasich for President is growing.
Kasich State Chairman Andy Taggart, former Chief of Staff to Mississippi Governor Kirk Fordice, said, “Our team is becoming stronger and more diverse every day. I look forward to working with these talented men and women to spread Governor Kasich’s message in our local communities.”
“I am humbled by the outpouring of support from Mississippi,” said Kasich, who visited the state on November 4. “We are continuing to build a network of leaders whose experience and dedication are moving our operation forward. I am especially excited to welcome Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes and State Representative Toby Barker—their deep knowledge of the policy issues that affect the lives of Mississippians will be a major asset to our team.”
Mayor Billy Hewes of Gulfport’s political history includes being former President Pro Tempore of the State Senate, former Chairman of the American Legislative Exchange Council and of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission.
“John Kasich is hands-down the best candidate we have to steer our country in a different direction,” said Hewes. “Our job now is to get the word out to voters about his plan to turn our economy around and reclaim power from Washington. He has the experience and the ideas to make it happen, and he has my full support.”
Rep. Toby Barker, who represents Hattiesburg, serves as Vice Chairman of the House Public Health Committee and joins Kasich’s team.
“Voters are looking for a leader with a record of solving tough problems,” said Barker. “In the time I’ve spent with Governor Kasich, it’s clear to me that he is that leader. There’s no one better equipped to both win a General Election and provide the necessary bold leadership to balance our federal budget, strengthen our workforce, and defend our country.”
The following Mississippi Republican leaders also support Kasich for president and join his team:
- Tony Greer, President, Hinds County Board of Supervisors
- Steven Pickett, Chairman, State Parole Board
- Bobby Peoples, Mississippi Republican Executive Committee Member; Rankin County Republican Executive Committee Member
- Frank Genzer, Harrison County Republican Executive Committee Chairman
- Paul Breazeale, Treasurer, Mississippi Republican Party
- Stacey Hight, Former Chief Aide to Former First Lady Pat Fordice
- John Lovorn, CEO, The Pace Group
- Terry Hight, COO, Mississippi Children’s Home Services
- Webster Franklin, CEO, Tunica (County) Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Dwayne Self, Former President, Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- Rick Webster, CEO, Key Constructors, LLC; President, Mississippi Roadbuilders Association
- Tom and Jana McDonnell, Principals, U-Save Car and Truck Rental
- Lee Thorne, County Prosecuting Attorney-Elect, Tishomingo County.
