Mississippi PING!
Posted on 11/05/2008 10:02:53 AM PST by Islander7
Chancery Court Judge Randy "Bubba" Pierce upset incumbent Supreme Court Justice Oliver Diaz Jr. in the Southern District race.
Diaz's tenure was marked by judicial bribery allegations that dominated headlines for almost a year before federal prosecutors indicted him in 2003. He was suspended until after his acquittal in 2005.
With 91 percent of precincts reporting, Pierce had 58 percent of the vote, compared to 42 percent for Diaz in the Southern District race. Pierce had 189,237 votes, while Diaz had 134,514.
"I've been pacing the floor and I still haven't stopped, but we're doing fine," said Pierce, whom Gov. Haley Barbour appointed to the Chancery Court judgeship in 2005 after Pierce, while serving as a state representative, helped pass laws to curb jury awards to injured parties.
Pierce, who unlike Diaz had to build name recognition, visited each of the Southern District's 27 counties more than once. By Oct. 10, when the most recent campaign finance reports were filed, Pierce's campaign also had raised more than double the funds of the Diaz campaign.
In his campaign ads, Pierce pledged to return integrity to the Supreme Court. Diaz emphasized his 14 years' appellate court experience and the insight his personal legal travails had given him.
Diaz, who also served as a state representative, spent the past 14 years as an appellate court judge. He served on the Court of Appeals before he was appointed, then elected, to the Supreme Court in 2000.
Pierce said he wanted to thank Diaz for his public service. The newly elected justice also said he was particularly proud of his showing in his home county of Greene and the two other counties in his Chancery Court district, George and Jackson. The Leakesville native had 87 percent of the vote in Greene County, with 11 of 13 precincts reporting.
"I'm just blessed," said Pierce, who also believes faith played a part in his victory. "The folks on the Gulf Coast were good to me."
Lemme guess: Diaz is a Dimocrat?
Surely MUST be as the “news” NEVER mentions party affiliation.
“....Lemme guess: Diaz is a Dimocrat?....”
Under state law, judges are not members of any political party.
You get it?
;-)
One of the bright spots of the entire election.
Wicker being another.
What’s up with folks in north Ms?
“.....What’s up with folks in north Ms?...”
ACORN and tons of union money.
Mr. Pierce gave a sermon at our church. We knew he was a judge but just assumed that he was running for re-election. We didn’t realize it was a new office (moved to the area last year). We voted for him. I think all of the candidates we voted for won _except_ for Palin er McCain.
Thank you. This is fantastic news.
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