Posted on 11/05/2003 8:17:45 PM PST by WKB
"Yesterday's election results are a mandate for change so Mississippi can do better in reaching our potential.
"I'm humbled, but excited, by the record turnout. Some in the media had predicted the campaign would result in reduced turnout, but the fact is: This was the most votes ever cast in a Mississippi Governor's race.
"I attribute my vote - the largest for any candidate in the two party era - to thousands of grassroots volunteers, who worked in the precincts, at the crossroads and the forks of the creeks, to get their families, friends and neighbors to vote.
"But also, to our message of change. People know our state can do better and people responded to a positive discussion about problems and solutions and seizing opportunities.
"We had and will continue to have strong support among Democrats and Independents: Witness the margins by which our campaign carried Northeast Mississippi.
"Our estimates indicate we received about 13% of minority votes, including about 10% of votes cast by African Americans. That is the second highest percentage and number ever by a Republican statewide candidate in a contested election and about twice what President Bush received three years ago.
"I am struck by the fact thousands of voters stood in long lines -- often for more than an hour - in order to vote. Some left and returned to their polling places several times until they could actually cast their ballots.
"That is a great testament to why our country is a shining beacon of freedom to the rest of the world.
"It brought to my mind Sergeant Joe Wilson of Crystal Springs and the other Mississippians who have recently lost their lives defending freedom and America around the world.
"It also brought to mind the quarter million veterans in Mississippi and how they have made it possible for us to freely elect the leaders that the majority want to lead our state and nation.
"Governor Musgrove has been very gracious. He called last night to congratulate me and offer his cooperation for a smooth and successful transition.
"He called again today to invite me to join him in attending Monday's Legislative Budget Committee meeting on the FY05 revenue estimate. I accepted his invitation, and we discussed some transition matters. He has been very cooperative, which I appreciate tremendously.
"During the remainder of the week I will be talking more with other state and local officials and with legislative leaders in both Houses. I'm committed to a strong. effective working relationship with the Legislature and with local leaders, as well as state officials, regardless of party. We have some serious problems to address, and while it won't be easy or immediate, I have no doubt that, working together, we'll solve those problems successfully and take advantage of the many opportunities we'll have to help the state reach its potential.
"One of my main purposes is to bring proven, successful leaders and managers into state government. We'll be in high gear on the transition shortly, but I don't expect any announcements, beyond process and structure, anytime soon.
"My immediate goals are to establish the right kind of working relationship with legislators and with other public officials and private sector leaders; and to recruit top quality leaders and managers into the Executive Branch."
"The top priorities for the next four years must be job creation and statewide economic development; a coordinated crackdown on drug crime and working with the legislature to resolve our budget problems within no more than two years, without raising taxes.
"Education, from pre-Kindergarten through lifelong learning, is crucial to achieving these goals, since education is the number one economic development and quality of life issue. In addition to the traditional and appropriate focus on K-12, I will work the Legislature and the federal government to improving our work force development and job training programs, in achieving stable funding for our community colleges and universities, and in better involving both in economic development and job creation.
"We have a lot to do. I don't have all the answers, but I know working together we don't have any problems that Mississippi can't solve."
Didn't really read the post..just loved the headline..:)
ROFLOL! This is darn near as much fun as a bathroom break. LOL!
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