Ahead of a rally in Corinth, Mississippi, Monday (Oct. 26) featuring President Donald Trump, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Scott Colom spoke to press and supporters in town, describing the president’s visit as an indication that Republicans need a boost in Mississippi.
“This is a sign of our momentum,” Colom said. “And a sign of how desperate he is.”
In previous statements, Colom said the rally is a “bail-out” for opponent and incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, whose campaign he described as “floundering.”
Dozens of supporters joined Colom at Crossroads Regional Park, including Cliff Johnson, Democratic candidate for Congress in District 1, currently represented by Congressman Trent Kelly.
“Mississippi isn’t Tennessee, it’s not Alabama, it’s not Louisiana,” Johnson said. “Mississippi is a place where Democrats can put forward a voter-focused, issue-focused race and win.
“I think this is the best proof of it: the president of the United States is in Corinth, Mississippi, eight days before an election.”
Linda McKinnon, a retired nurse and Corinth resident, spoke to the crowd about her healthcare struggles — an issue that Colom has made a major component of his platform.
About a year ago, McKinnon was diagnosed with cancer. Corinth has a cancer center, but it didn’t take her insurance.
“I’m forced to drive 45 minutes each way to Tupelo and back each time I have to go for chemotherapy and radiation treatment,” she said. “Now, it’s becoming a financial burden because I have to worry about putting gas in my car.”
Affordability was an issue Nikita Barton, a Corinth mom, highlighted, saying she’s spending around $140 on gas every week for her child’s travel sports team.
“I’m not asking Washington to raise my child,” she said. “I’m asking the people we send to Washington to know how much it costs to raise one.”
Hyde-Smith has touted her record in Washington to voters. But Colom said she’s focusing more on casting him in a negative light.
“Cindy Hyde-Smith doesn’t want to make the campaign about her because she’s got nothing to run on,” Colom said. “She doesn't want to make it about Mississippi: she wants to make it about more.”
Trump’s visit came after a series of events Colom held with big-name Democrats: former vice president Kamala Harris, U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia.