Minister challenges veteran senator
By By William F. West / community editor
Jan. 17, 2003
A veteran state senator from Kemper County pledged Thursday not to engage in negative tactics despite an aggressive campaign planned by a Louisville minister who's running against him.
Incumbent Sen. Sampson Jackson II, 49, a Democrat from DeKalb seeking a fourth term, is being challenged by the Rev. Willie J. Coleman, 33, a Republican from Louisville. The two are competing for the right to represent Senate District 32, which includes all of Kemper County and parts of Lauderdale, Noxubee and Winston counties.
Coleman, in a phone interview, charged that Jackson is not representing all of the people in the district.
Both candidates are black, but Coleman said he believes a problem is that many blacks are content with a black politician.
Jackson said he believes he has shown he represents people of all races and walks of life.
But Jackson was not angered by Coleman's comments.
Coleman
conservative
The two candidates have differing backgrounds and philosophies.
Coleman, a conservative, said if elected he will oppose raising taxes and imposing any new taxes. He said he's pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and pro-God.
Coleman also praised former Gov. Kirk Fordice, a Republican twice elected who had a habit of offending some with his blunt-spoken approach to governing. But, Coleman said, "You have to admit, he let you know where he stood."
Jackson is a cattle farmer and an owner of a convenience store in DeKalb. He has served in the Senate since 1992 and currently chairs the Senate Public Property Committee, which is responsible for overseeing state buildings from the capitol to the rural areas.
Jackson supporting
education
Jackson has emphasized supporting public education, pledging to continue his efforts toward raising salaries of teachers and college and university employees. He also said he wants to raise the pay of the rest of the state's employees.
Jackson said Coleman is hardly an unknown to him, adding with a laugh that Coleman was once a candidate to become pastor of his church, Oak Grove Baptist in Preston.
Jackson also said he knew of Coleman because Coleman once worked as a guard for the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
However, Jackson said he is not taking Coleman lightly.
