By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
June 29, 2003
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mitch Tyner says that Mississippi is doing fine economically while other parts of the nation continue to struggle financially.
Tyner, 40, an attorney from Madison, discussed his platform in an interview last week with The Meridian Star editorial board. He will face fellow Republican Haley Barbour in the Aug. 5 GOP primary.
The winner of the primary will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.
At stake is Mississippi's top elected office. Among other things, the governor sees that laws are faithfully executed, signs or vetoes legislation and calls special sessions of the Legislature.
Tyner contributed to incumbent Gov. Ronnie Musgrove's 1999 election campaign against Republican Mike Parker, the former 3rd District congressman. Musgrove, a Democrat, is seeking a second term this year.
Since taking office, Tyner said, Musgrove has allowed the state to overspend. Tyner targeted the children's health insurance program called CHIPS and the state Medicaid program as examples of overspending.
Tyner said he believes state government should have a limited role.
Tyner and his wife, Sloane, have two children. He is a member of Crossgates Baptist Church. Tyner said he is running as a Republican because he identifies more with the party, calling himself conservative on social issues.