Mike Lott announces candidacy in Quitman

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
Feb. 14, 2004
QUITMAN Genny Cochran, a homemaker from Shubuta, said she is concerned about the lack of jobs in her area.
So much so that on Friday, she drove to the Quitman Depot on a chilly, gray day to meet the man she hopes can do something about it.
Lott, who is not related to U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., was in Quitman Friday to announce he will seek the GOP nomination for congressman to represent the state's 4th Congressional District.
About 60 people joined Lott at the depot to lend their support for his candidacy. Helen Ann Beeman, Clarke County's Republican Party chairman, hosted the event.
Lott will face Karl Cleveland and Steve McCaleb, both of Long Beach, in the March 9 Republican primary. The winner will then face incumbent U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Bay St. Louis.
Lott said if he's elected, he will work hard to support the residents throughout the entire district, including Quitman.
State Rep. Eric Robinson, R-Quitman and Steve Horne, R-Meridian attended Friday's event to endorse Lott.
Lott said he believes he is the right man for the job in Congress.
Lott also accused the current congressman, Taylor, of spending too much time straddling the fence on issues and not getting anything done for the people in the 4th Congressional District.
John S. Dabbs, a retired veteran from Quitman, agreed a change is needed. Dabbs said he believes Lott is the man for the job.