Ipse Blogit Predicts Philip Gunn to Fill DeLaughter's Seat
According to at Ipse Blogit , Rep. Phillip Gunn of Clinton will be appointed to fill Judge DeLaughter's unexpired term. This would be a smart choice by Governor Barbour. Gunn has a good reputation as a lawyer and politician. He would presumably get a ton of votes in the Clinton area when he has to run against a challenger.
It's my understanding the Malcolm Harrison is viewed by many to be the favorite to take the seat in an open election. A Gunn v. Harrison match-up would be an important race that attracts a lot of attention and money. Racial demographics in the district will be important. The plus side is that either of these two would probably make a fine circuit judge.
Meanwhile, there has been no announcement of who may run against presumptive favorite Ashley Ogden to fill Judge Yerger's seat when he steps down. Barbour will probably fill Yerger's position before an election with someone like Jeff Weill who the Republicans think has a chance to win an election. Ogden will be the favorite if he campaigns as aggressively has in his past campaign. Ogden's plans are unclear, however, and his Take Back Jackson web site appears to have expired.
