Congressional election preview: Thompson lauds experience, agenda and support for growth in rural communities

Mississippi Second District Congressman Bennie Thompson stumped in Franklin County on Sunday, Oct. 16 seeking support for his re-election bid in the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election.

Redistricting efforts by the state Legislature in the wake of the 2020 federal Census moved Franklin and three other Southwest Mississippi counties to the Second District.

“I am happy to be your congressperson for Franklin County for a lot of reasons,” Thompson said to open his remarks during the stop in Bude.

“For my wife and I, our first job (in education) was here, and I have seen a lot of people I taught who went away and are now back.

“Every two years, you get the chance to pick your congressperson and I have been in office for 29 years. After redistricting, I picked up Franklin, Amite, Wilkinson and Adams counties — and have 30 counties I represent so there’s a lot of running around this time of year to meet with some of the best folks in the world.”

Thompson, who resides in Bolton, said he has been able to do a lot during his tenure in the U.S. House to provide federal help for communities like Bude, Meadville and Roxie.

“A lot of other representatives look over good people like you and because of that smaller communities feel like they get left out,” he said.

“That is not the way your government ought to respond. For instance, I just left a meeting with Franklin County Memorial Hospital and there are some things we have to do to help in making it competitive and I am happy to do it because I understand what healthcare is all about.”

Thompson said he is the only representative in Mississippi’s congressional delegation who voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act that offers health insurance for people across the country who didn’t have it.

“I also understand that if you get sick, you shouldn’t always have to go to Natchez, Brookhaven or McComb ... you ought to be able to go right here in your own community,” he continued.

“We are going to do what we can to help your local healthcare facility.”

Thompson said he has worked diligently during his time in Washington, D.C., to assist with a variety of local projects, including developing recreational centers and building fire departments — entities he called important to the fabric of rural life in Mississippi.

“My wife and I started the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department with both of us working as emergency medical technicians — and I have actually delivered five babies,” he added.

“I understand what it is to get up at midnight or 1 a.m., in a rural community to help because that is what you have to do. When I did it, it was because it was something our community needed.”

Thompson said he believes growth can happen in communities, towns and cities of all sizes when government works hand in hand with churches, nonprofits and other entities to build on the quality of life for all citizens.

“When you determine what you want to achieve, there’s probably a program out there that will help support it,” he said.

“While government cannot do 100 percent of everything, it can make good things happen by encouraging people to work together.”

The congressman said a key issue he wants to continue to address is having a strong educational foundation.

“Some of us are not college material, but that doesn’t mean people cannot earn a good living to support their families,” Thompson added.

“This requires us to make certain the educational needs of our young people are being met. If you have used a plumber or electrician lately, you know how much they make ... these are good jobs and we need to look at employment opportunities for our young boys and young girls.”

He also shared concerns about youth leaving places like Franklin County and other rural portions of Mississippi to try to find opportunities they do not believe exist here.

“I understand the economics of leaving, but can you just imagine if we could keep some of those young people and where they could help take us if they stayed here?” he asked.

“We have to work to retain that talent so that it doesn’t leave and put us at a further disadvantage. I want to work with you in trying to turn this trend around so that we can build stronger, more vibrant communities.”

Thompson then stumped on his support of law enforcement saying the American society is only as good as the people that protect it.

“When you dial 9-1-1, you want someone to come help,” he said. “I’ve been an alderman, a mayor, a supervisor and now a congressman, but I have also been fortunate enough to have experience with emergency services and see what they do.”

In regards to his service to the nation, Thompson noted he chairs the House Homeland Security Committee — charged with protecting American interests both domestically and internationally.

He has also been in the spotlight through chairing the Select Committee to Investigate the Jan. 6 Attack on the United States Capitol — a remark that drew applause from those in attendance at the event.

“For those who seek public office, you have to realize that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose,” Thompson went on to say, “but in America, that’s how we pick our leaders ... at the ballot box. We don’t tear the place up because your candidate didn’t win.

“What happened on Jan. 6 is not who we are as Americans ... and up until Jan. 6, most everyone wanted to be like the United States. But now, others look at us differently and my job has been to look at the facts and circumstances — and call it like it is — to learn what occurred.

“We’ll find out what happened and I will promise you that we will be a better country because of it. In the end, if you win ... you celebrate and if you lose, you gear up for the next election.”

In shifting his focus to the grassroots level, Thompson expressed his willingness as congressman to assist local interests in trying to develop initiatives to help residents reach their fullest potential and address public needs such as infrastructure to attract businesses and jobs.
“We have to look for ways to improve where we live and build a better future for our children and grandchildren,” he said. “The way we do that is by working together with common goals to make things better for everyone, and I want to use my experience in government to help.”

Additionally, with extended familial ties — namely two grandchildren — in the area, Thompson told those in the audience that he has a “vested interest” in Franklin County’s future.

“I am so glad to have Franklin County as part of my district and I would appreciate your vote in the upcoming election to help us continue to make good public policy and serve this and other communities,” he added.

Thompson is presently the only Democrat in Mississippi’s congressional delegation and has served since 1993 when he succeeded Mike Espy in the U.S. House of Representatives.