By Shanderia K. Posey
Editor
Congressman Bennie Thompson cruised to victory on Election Day just as he has done since 1993 to represent the Second Congressional District for Mississippi. With 67 percent of the vote, Thompson beat three opponents for the seat. He secured 178,419 votes compared to John Bouie’s 77,832, Troy Ray’s 6,497 and Johnny McLeod’s 3,497.
He remains the only Democrat and African American among four congressmen who represent the Magnolia State in the U.S. House. As usual, the Bolton native celebrated with his many supporters Tuesday evening in that small town. The party included lots of food and music as supporters mixed and mingled on the sidewalks and in the street. Thompson shared why his support remains strong for the district which covers more than 15,000 square miles and includes more than 740,000 people. The district’s eastern border runs along Tunica and Leake counties. Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Jackson State University are located in the Second District.
“We stress constituent services with the staff. We never meet a stranger. I’ve lived in the district my whole life. I know the people and I don’t have to do anything other than the best job possible. Getting to serve in Congress is an opportunity to broaden the efforts to help people. “As the only Democrat in the delegation, it gives me an opportunity to really step forward and get some good things done for the children, for our historically black colleges, for minority businesses and for women as well as seniors.” As for the hatred spewed during the 2016 presidential election between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in comparison to what was revealed during President Barack Obama’s elections, Thompson said, “I thought it couldn’t get any worse but it has.”
While waiting for the election results to come in during his campaign party, Thompson was optimistic Clinton would prevail and was looking forward to her presidency. He also had a specific message for his supporters. “I thank them first of all very much. I won’t ever let them down. I’ll remain true to my commitment to making a difference,” he said. “If I’m the only voice out here talking about helping children, helping women, helping seniors, helping minority businesses like we are about to get into a contest with Continental Tire up here for not giving minorities business and sometime challenging some of my other elected officials who are black that they need to do their jobs. “Getting re-elected gives me the platform to do that.”
Benjamin McGraw of Bolton was among those celebrating Thompson’s win. “Bennie Thompson is great person. I think so. I’ve been voting for him for the last 25 years,” said McGraw, referring to the time when Thompson was mayor and supervisor in Bolton.
While enjoying her meal at the campaign party, Ethel Kelley of Bolton also shared why she keeps voting for Thompson. “Congressman Thompson will do for you what nobody else can,” Kelley said. “He’s a leader.” Kelley has known Thompson almost her entire life and recalled how his mother was her teacher. “We’ve been his supporters for years, and everything we’ve known about him is good,” Kelley said. “We don’t mind supporting somebody who stands behind his word.”
Shanderia K. Posey can be reached at sposey@mississippilink.com.
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