The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeals, finding that the gratuities statute requires a link between a gift and an official act. In 1924, my grandfather, Thomas J. Huddleston, started the first Black-owned hospital in Mississippi at the height of Jim Crow. [19] He lost the general election again with 44% of the vote. That Mississippi is sending a … His paternal grandfather was an immigrant from Lebanon, and his uncle was war journalist George Esper. What do you think of the removal of confederate monuments across the South and nation? [17] Espy lost the runoff with 46% of the vote. Birthplace: Yazoo City, MS. . Mike Espy: In the last decade, improvements in technology, and better understanding of the impact of sentencing, the criminal justice system and the causes of crime, have forced us to reevaluate policies put into place in the 20th century. Though Yazoo City was located in an impoverished section of the Mississippi River Delta, the Espy family was affluent. From 1980 to 1984, he was the Assistant Secretary of the State to the Public Lands Division. We can do this. And it was the worst experience of my life,” he says. His parents were Henry and Willie Jean Espy. [29], On August 27, 1997, Espy was indicted on charges of receiving improper gifts, including sports tickets, lodging, and airfare. Mike Espy says he needs to take “charge” and reach the “100,000 voters that hadn’t voted for anyone since Barack Obama in 2008” in order to win. Should a president have broad power to declare war or send troops to battle without congressional approval? He is a Black lawyer and politician. Espy lost the special election to interim Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. Mike Espy is married to the former Portia Denise Ballard of Franklington, Louisiana, and is the father of three children: Jamilla Morgan, Michael William, and Ian Michael Espy. Mike Espy: No. The Mississippi Legislature recently voted to remove the state flag with its confederate emblem as opposed to putting that decision before voters. Alphonso Michael Espy was born in Yazoo City, part of the famous Mississippi Delta, in 1953. Stacey Abrams, on the May 29 fundraising call for Mike Espy: “I grew up in Mississippi. We often come last in rankings and make do with less. Mike Espy Bio. Text MIKE to 30411. [38] Espy married Portia Ballard in 1999. Steer the conversation away from anything controversial, even race, and back to health care. Mike Espy. By Mississippi Today. [citation needed], Espy was an attorney with Central Mississippi Legal Services between 1978 and 1980 and was later the Assistant Secretary of State to Mississippi Legal Services. He is a 1986 graduate of the United States Military Academy and received his commission in the Infantry. Party affiliations were not printed on the ballot. Dr. Mark T. Esper was born on April 26, 1964, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Tom, Henry and Mike made wood-and-cloth caskets in the back yard. But gimmick safeguards would bring fiscal collapse to our country’s economy, especially during downturns like we are in now. American public official Mike Espy served as U.S. secretary of agriculture under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1994. We believe that an informed Mississippi is a better Mississippi. Dr. Mark T. Esper was born on April 26, 1964, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Esper was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the son of Pauline "Polly" Reagan and Thomas Joseph Esper. The campaign to elect Democrat Mike Espy to the U.S. Senate broke the record for the amount of money raised in one day for a Mississippi candidate for federal office this weekend. Mike Espy: I believe monuments erected in favor of confederate leaders and generals should no longer be displayed on official property. Or as a 1986 Washington Post profile deemed it, “The Huddleston Dynasty.”. Required Cookies & Technologies. WASHINGTON, D.C.—March On PAC has announced its endorsement of Mike Espy as the 2020 Democratic candidate in the Mississippi Senate race. Mike Espy Bio. Mike Espy, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Mississippi, discusses with Lawrence O’Donnell how he can win his tight Senate race and become the first Black Senator from the state since the Reconstruction Era. [14] He opposes the Trump administration's family separation policy. I am dedicated to Mississippi’s nearly 200,000 veterans and 12,000 active-duty service members and will speak out against any attempt to denigrate their service and their families’ commitment to this country. This weekend, we raised over $700,000. We moved back to Mississippi by the time I was 3. As your U.S. Mike Espy: I know how important affordable health care is for all Mississippians, because it’s part of my family’s legacy. During his spare time, he reads books, rides horses, and practices martial arts, as he holds a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do. My parents are from Hattiesburg originally. When Mr. Espy was named Secretary of Agriculture in 1993, Mr. … Watch the interview with challenger Mike Espy in the video player above. He defeated two-term Republican Webb Franklin to become the first African-American to represent Mississippi at the federal level since Reconstruction. One of the jurors said, "This was the weakest, most bogus thing I ever saw. What is your take on the current debate over funding of police? "[14] When asked by MSNBC's Chris Matthews to comment on President Trump's criticism of several African-American journalists, Espy "refused to bite", instead redirecting the interview to health care. My support for the brave men and women who have sacrificed everything for their country is non-negotiable. A decade ago in his home state, he worked for a Congressman named Mike Espy on farm issues. By increasing the funding for and availability of addiction and psychological treatment in prisons, education and job training programs for individuals on the inside and when they are recently released, affordable housing, and private-public partnerships for reentry programs, we can help both incarcerated individuals and their families deal with the financial burden of incarceration and become contributing members of our economy. His family has been involved in the funeral home business for decades, and his grandfather is credited with starting the first African American hospital in the state in the 1920s to provide a medical option for Black Mississippians. On November 3, for the second time in as many years, Mississippi's Cindy Hyde-Smith will seek to defend her U.S. Senate seat from Democrat Mike Espy. ... many parents are wondering when the vaccine will be deemed safe enough for children. [27] In 2018, he said he was moderate on abortion; he supports Roe v. Wade but opposes abortion personally. We center readers in everything we do, informing–and engaging–Mississippians through reporting, podcasts, events and online communities. Like my grandfather, my number one priority will be guaranteeing all Mississippians access to quality and affordable health care. Trump’s imaginary girlfriend! It’s high time Mississippi had the same benefits for their rural hospitals and lower costs that other Medicaid expansion states like Oklahoma and Missouri do. In 1996, Sun-Diamond Growers was fined $1.5 million for giving Espy $6,000 in gifts; in March 1998 it won a reversal at the Court of Appeals level. Instead of minimizing the pandemic and denying during the critical early stages, our Congressional leaders should have come together as a body, sat down with our world-renowned medical experts and come up with a comprehensive approach to shut down parts of the United States. He was the Democratic nominee again in the 2020 election but lost by ten percentage points against Cindy Hyde-Smith in a rematch. The first African American and first person from the Deep South to hold the position,[4] Espy served as Secretary of Agriculture from 1993 to 1994. The legislature made the right decision to take down the flag and put a new flag up for a vote. Tom, Henry and Mike made wood-and-cloth caskets in the back yard. That’s why we must create a national registry of police misconduct and disciplinary actions. Mike Espy: Every child in Mississippi deserves access to a quality education that will allow them to reach their full potential — no matter the school they attend, the color of their skin, or how much money their parents make. [citation needed], Espy was an Assistant State Attorney General from 1984 to 1985. Mike Espy, age 66, is vying to be the first African American elected by popular vote to the U.S. Senate from Mississippi. He is the grandson of Thomas J. Huddleston Sr., founder of the Afro-American Sons and Daughters, a fraternal society that operated the Afro-American Hospital, a leading provider of health […] Most incarcerated Americans are held in state and local jails. During testimony before the jury, the prosecution's star witness told Smaltz: "God knows, if I had $30 million, I could find dirt on you, sir. Public dollars should go toward our public schools. Unable to make such a link, Smaltz dismissed the gratuities charge against Sun-Diamond. And Mike Espy was Democrat and a black man in a state that had not elected a black person to statewide office since the 19 th century. No matter your race, your gender, your age or your political views, you can always call on me as your U.S. [5], In October 2007, Espy crossed party lines to endorse Republican Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour's reelection campaign. Turn children against their parents and families, etc. [34] The Sun-Diamond decision played a pivotal role in Espy's later acquittal because Smaltz was unable to link gifts he received to any official act. From 1993 to 1994 he was selected to be the Secretary of Agriculture by president Bill Clinton. US Secretary of Agriculture, 1993-94. Michael Espy describes the 1992 campaign, reforming the Department of Agriculture, Great Flood of 1993, global trade, ... My parents had to make a decision to send the two of us to the all-black school or to the all-white school. Haley Barbour. We must create a new prevailing standard of conduct in which the unacceptable standard of “reasonable force” is replaced with “necessary force.” And fourth, chokeholds and other restraint positions should be abolished. Reactions: Danespear, mike_espy, Skrewdriver and 12 others. According to Espy’s communications director, Kendall Witmer, the campaign raised … I was born in Yazoo City, grew up there, then graduated from Howard University and Santa Clara Law School. *Michael Espy was born on this date in 1953. Now, a new poll has us just 1 point away from her. He is a 1986 graduate of the United States Military Academy and received his commission in the Infantry. We can attract more applicants by offering competitive salaries and opportunities for continuing education. Now, as then, race plays a key role in the race. He announced his resignation in October 1994, following questions from the White House over his use of government perks and acceptance of gifts. His parents were Henry and Willie Jean Espy. At least four other jurors echoed this view, though less pointedly. [18], Three days after losing the Senate special election runoff to Hyde-Smith, on November 30, 2018, his 65th birthday, Espy filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to run for the seat again in 2020. Together, we can move Mississippi forward. Mike Espy: As a long-time deficit and debt hawk and former member of the U.S. House’s Budget Committee, I believe we must reduce the national debt. With the retirement of the old flag, Mississippi is finally ready to turn the page on that part of our state’s history and start the next decade as one of prosperity and promise. "[31] During the trial, Smaltz protested that the defense was injecting race into the trial in what he saw as an appeal to a mostly black jury. — Democrat Mike Espy and Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith have conversations with 16 WAPT's Erin Pickens for Mississippi Matters. Donations soared amid fears the state’s GOP incumbent, Cindy Hyde-Smith, will vote to fill the now-vacant high court seat. Mike Espy: I know how important affordable health care is for all Mississippians, because it’s part of my family’s legacy. (born 1953). He also started a newspaper, The Century Voice, which had a circulation over 100,000, and founded the first Mississippi hospital for African Americans. In December 1992, Espy was chosen by President-elect Bill Clinton to be the Secretary of Agriculture in the new administration. [32] Barbara Bisoni, the only white juror, said Smaltz's case "had holes" and that race never entered into the deliberations.[32]. I support all schools in our state. Second, applicants and new hires should be subject to stringent background checks on past conduct and previous performance. Espy, who is battling in the special election on Nov. 6 against interim Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Brookhaven; state … His father was a member of the Maronite Church. 09-24. In a separate case during the same investigation, Espy's Chief of Staff, Ronald Blackley, was convicted in late 1997 on three counts of making false statements[35] and sentenced to 27 months in prison. [22] He said he probably would have voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 but that he wants to "make sure people see the benefits". [21] In 2018, Espy said that he wanted to cut the government's budget and that he supports free trade. I do not believe that we should be glorifying a time when one human being was allowed to own another human being or the war that was fought for that very system. [citation needed], On March 5, 2018, Republican Senator Thad Cochran announced he would resign as of April 1 for health reasons, triggering a special election. For years,our public schools have been underfunded by billions. Third, we must mandate bias and de-escalation training. Should safeguards be put in place to limit national debt? Mike Espy, a black candidate in a Mississippi Senate race, has known for a long time how to find common ground among people of color and whites. It’s a drain on the families of the incarcerated, on our economy, and on our state budget. Mike Espy held his own in an uphill fight against Hyde-Smith, whose racially-tinged gaffes weren’t quite enough to elect a Democrat in Mississippi. In 1924, my grandfather, Thomas J. Huddleston, started the first Black-owned hospital in Mississippi at the height of Jim Crow. Please reload the page and try again. Founded in 2016 as the state’s first nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, Mississippi Today’s roots in Capitol coverage have grown to encompass a myriad of beats beyond politics and policy, including education, public health, justice, environment, equity, and, yes, sports. Republican Hyde-Smith was appointed to the office by Governor Phil Bryant in early 2018 after Thad Cochran resigned… Espy's parents, educated at Tuskegee, made sure that all the children had duties in the family business. The jury deliberated less than 10 hours before finding Espy not guilty on all charges. Do you agree or disagree with this and why? As a former Congressman and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, I know that sometimes leaders have to make tough decisions. He was born into what a 1992 New York Times profile called “a prominent Black family.”. Visit our 2020 Voter Guide to learn more about the November 3 general election. By Mike Espy. “My parents had sent my twin sister and I to this school. The defense rested without calling any witnesses, arguing simply that the prosecution had not proved its case. Espy attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., and was active in student politics, holding several elective positions. The Democrat ran for senator in Mississippi. [citation needed]. By giving tax breaks to the drivers of our economy — the middle class and small businesses — instead of the wealthy, we can reap the benefits of a booming economy and reduce our debt. It will be my utmost priority in Congress to reduce our debt through careful, targeted cuts. Mike Espy: Congress, along with the President, should be leading a cohesive, coherent, and coordinated national approach to addressing the pandemic and the economic crisis so we do not have this ad hoc approach that has left our states and local governments to fend for themselves. Alphonso Michael Espy was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Finally, all officers should be required to wear body cameras at all times while on duty. Mississippi’s 1st Black congressman since Reconstruction. He was re-elected by comfortable margins to the 2nd District post three additional times before he resigned to accept the appointment as U.S. secretary of agriculture in the President Bill Clinton administration. Get our free newsletter in your inbox every morning. I also want our police officers to receive training from our mental health counselors, social workers, child protection officers, and addiction specialists. They decided to send us to the all-white school. He is the grandson of Thomas J. Huddleston Sr., founder of the Afro-American Sons and Daughters, a fraternal society that operated the Afro-American Hospital, a leading provider of health care for Blacks in the state from the 1920s to the 1970s. Can you please donate $10 to keep up the momentum? [14], A nonpartisan special election took place on November 6, 2018, the same day as the regularly scheduled U.S. Senate election for the seat held by Roger Wicker, who was running for reelection. Mike is committed to comprehensive education reform. Since then, Espy has been practicing law in Mississippi. Pence’s shellacked head! If so, what reforms would you support? Mississippi Today. With this new flag, we can all move forward together. State and local police departments should also be required to report use-of-force incidents to the Department of Justice. What are your public education priorities? 09-24. Thad Cochran's Senate Seat Bid By Clinton-Era Official", "The big seven races that will (probably) decide who controls the Senate", "Senatorial candidate Mike Espy says he'll 'Put Mississippi First, "Democrat Mike Espy announces bid for Senate seat in Mississippi", "A look at Mike Espy before US Senate runoff: People over party, keeping head down", "How Things Could Go Wrong For Republicans In Mississippi's New Senate Race", "The Latest: Mississippi has 3 more weeks of US Senate race", "2018 Elections Calendar - Mississippi Secretary of State", "GOP Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith Wins Runoff in Mississippi", "Espy files to run for Senate in 2020, setting up possible rematch with Hyde-Smith", "State of Mississippi OFFICIAL 2020 GENERAL ELECTION CERTIFIED RESULTS", "Can Mike Espy Win in Mississippi? [4] Espy and his lawyer admitted that they deceived the White House,[4] which at first accepted Espy's false claim that he was unaware of the scholarship before it was given to Dempsey. Mike Espy: I know how important affordable health care is for all Mississippians, because it’s part of my family’s legacy. I do support putting these monuments in museums with context to educate the public on the history of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the South. [2] He was reelected three times. One of his notable cases was the Pigford lawsuit, where Espy worked in conjunction with a black farmers advocacy group, the National Black Farmers Association, to represent those farmers. [14], In 1986, running for Congress, Espy was considered pro-choice on abortion. Mike Espy: I do not support “defunding” the police. Do you believe criminal justice reform is needed? Mike Espy will work to implement specific actions that are needed by Mississippians and their communities to improve our current education offerings. [3] Following his confirmation by the Senate in late January 1993, Espy resigned from his seat in the House of Representatives. Henry Espy made an unsuccessful Congressional run to fill his brother’s empty seat in 1993. For his son, a former American football player, see, the November 6 nonpartisan special election, 2018 United States Senate special election in Mississippi, 2020 United States Senate election in Mississippi, Trump administration's family separation policy, List of African-American United States Cabinet Secretaries, List of African-American United States Representatives, "THE TRANSITION; Clinton's Last Selections for the Cabinet Reflect His Quest for Diversity", "Espy is Acquitted on Gifts Received While in Cabinet", "Text of Mike Espy's Endorsement of Haley Barbour", "Espy announces run for Cochran Senate seat", "Mike Espy to run for Thad Cochran's Senate seat", "The Latest: Former ag secretary Espy running for Senate", "Who Is Mike Espy? This morning we kicked off our “Momentum in Mississippi Tour” — a five-day bus trip across the entire state to touch every community before Election Day. I just remember being cold and eating cheese curds. In an effort to flip the senate in November, the political action committee created by March On is endorsing candidates who support efforts to Take Back the Senate, Hold the House and Reclaim the Presidency. Mike Espy vented frustration a few weeks ago that national Democrats appeared to be writing off his chances of toppling Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in deeply red Mississippi. He was the nation’s first African American secretary of agriculture. Though Yazoo City was located in an impoverished section of the Mississippi River Delta, the Espy family was affluent. In March 2018, Espy announced his candidacy for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Thad Cochran. In November 1986, Espy was elected as a Democrat to the 100th Congress from Mississippi's 2nd congressional district. Decisions about education are best left to our educators, teachers, parents and school administrators and I will fight to get them the support and funding they need, including increasing teacher pay, adequately funding training programs and expanding federal loan forgiveness programs for teachers. I want our departments to work hand-in-hand with these experts so they can better understand these situations in order to better serve our communities. Alphonso Michael Espy was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi. In Mississippi, we have an incarceration problem. Mississippi is home to the most generous and hospitable people I know.