GOP Gains Control of Mississippi House

By: The Associated Press

Updated: Mon 11:25 AM, Nov 14, 2011

In 2012, a majority of the Mississippi House of
Representatives will be Republican for the first time since Reconstruction.

Though some counties were still counting absentee and affidavit ballots Monday, Republicans will control at least 62 seats when the legislature convenes Jan. 3.

Totals confirmed Monday show Republican Gene Alday defeated incumbent Democrat John Mayo in House District 25, putting the GOP over the top for control of the House.

With results in other races still not complete, GOP candidates hold narrow leads in two other districts. In House District 28, Republican Tommy Taylor leads Democrat David Dallas, while in House
District 105, Republican Dennis DeBar leads Democrat Dale Kimble and independent Latricia Cornelson.

Republican officials expect to win those two seats, giving the party 64 votes.

Assuming all their leads hold, Republicans will post a net gain of nine seats in the general election and one through a party switch. Rep. Donnie Bell of Fulton jumped to the GOP Friday. Three Republican incumbents lost in the Nov. 8 election.

The Republican caucus is scheduled to meet later Monday to choose its nominee for speaker, a post last held by a party member nearly 140 years ago.

Announced GOP candidates for speaker are Jeff Smith of Columbus, Mark Formby of Picayune, Herb Frierson of Poplarville, Philip Gunn of Clinton and John Moore of Brandon.

Democrat Billy McCoy, who has held the job the past two terms, did not seek re-election to his House seat.

The GOP victory in the House gives the party control of both the House and Senate, which already had a GOP majority.

Last week, Republicans held onto the governor's office with the election of Phil Bryant to succeed the term-limited Haley Barbour. Republicans also hold all but one major statewide elected office. the exception is attorney general, held by Democrat Jim Hood, who was re-elected Nov. 8.

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