Horne quits, son to run for seat

By By William F. West / community editor
Feb. 26, 2003
State Rep. Tommy Horne is calling it quits after 27 years in the Mississippi Legislature and his son, Steve, is campaigning to replace him.
Tommy Horne, 66, an independent from Meridian and chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee, couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday. But his wife, Elizabeth, confirmed he will retire.
Meanwhile, Steve Horne filed qualifying papers with the Mississippi Republican Party.
Steve Horne, 44, a businessman, said in a prepared statement that he is a conservative who "will support legislation that reduces the tax burden on the average citizen."
State Rep. Greg Snowden, R-Meridian, and a first-term lawmaker, said Tommy Horne's retirement after so many years in the state House is a momentous event for Lauderdale County.
State Rep. Eric Robinson, R-Quitman, said he has great respect for Tommy Horne, with whom he has served 11 years in Jackson.
Both Robinson and Snowden said they also are pleased that Steve Horne is running as a Republican.
Said Robinson: "We desperately need to increase our numbers in the House."
State Sen. Videt Carmichael, R-Meridian, also in his first term, had little comment about Tommy Horne's retirement and Steve Horne's candidacy.
Tommy Horne, an attorney, represents District 81, comprised of much of Lauderdale County and a portion of Clarke County.
He served in the Legislature from 1972-1983, 1988-1991 and 1993 to the present.
Horne currently serves on the Legislature's Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Committee. He also serves on the House Judiciary A, Local and Private and Ways and Means committees.