MC School of Law Hosts Gubernatorial Debate

MC School of Law Dean Jim Rosenblatt

Immigration reform, economic development, education and plans to slice government spending are expected to be among the issues discussed when the Mississippi College School of Law hosts a gubernatorial debate.

The event is set for July 21 on the MC Law campus at 151 East Griffith Street in downtown Jackson. WLBT-TV-3 in Jackson and its affiliates will air the debate live from 7-9 p.m. that Thursday.

In late June, Republican and Democratic candidates for governor were in Biloxi for a forum hosted by the Mississippi Press Association. A day later, on June 25, three of the Republican candidates squared off at a debate at Northwest Rankin High sponsored by the Central Mississippi Tea Party.

MC School of Law Dean Jim Rosenblatt said he’s delighted to welcome the political candidates to his campus this summer. One of the contenders will succeed Gov. Haley Barbour, who must step down in January 2012 after completing two terms, according to state law.

Rosenblatt said the debate should trigger lots of interest at the law school, but capture attention across the Magnolia State.

“Our students and graduates are very interested in the political process,” Rosenblatt said. “Many of them have run for office or worked in campaigns. Our location in the capital city allows our students to be involved in politics while in law school. A number of our students will perform internships with members of the Legislature or the administration.”

MC Law School leaders will be working with WLBT News Director Dennis Smith and others at the NBC affiliate in Jackson to make the event happen.

“We are pleased to assist WLBT in bringing the candidates and the issues to the voters of Mississippi,” Rosenblatt said.

Top contenders for the post include Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, Gulfport businessman Dave Dennis and Pearl River County Supervisor Hudson Holliday, all Republicans. Democrats seeking the job include Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny Dupree and Mississippi attorney Bill Luckett.

The MC debate comes just weeks before primary elections that will be held August 2. The general election will be in November.

A couple of years ago, MC’s School of Law hosted a televised U.S. Senate debate between Democrat Ronnie Musgrove and Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker.

For more information on the gubernatorial debate, contact Dana Terry, the director of communications at the MC School of Law at 601.925.7148 or dterry@mc.edu.