2019 MS Governor's race: on Budget & Economy

Tate Reeves: As treasurer, decried state's reliance on borrowing money

Reeves served two terms as treasurer and made a name for himself decrying the state's reliance on borrowing money. When running for lieutenant governor eight years later, he faced political veteran and Senate Pro Tempore Billy Hewes. Many again highlighted Reeves' youth and lack of legislative experience; Reeves remained self-confident.

"After 20 years in the Legislature and hundreds of votes for more spending and billions more in debt, it's heartwarming to know that Hewes has now finally realized with 50 days to go in this campaign that we need to reduce our debt burden," Reeves told the Associated Press during the 2011 primary campaign for lieutenant governor.

Jim Hood: State economy is not moving; we've got to drain the swamp

The candidate told the crowd of about 1,000 business leaders: "The problem is, nobody's got the guts to step out and lead," Hood said. "The fact is, we've got to drain the swamp in our Legislature."

Both Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and Gov. Phil Bryant cited indicators of an improved economy and outlook in Mississippi, including the lowest unemployment rates in state history, creation of thousands of new jobs and the highest high school graduation rates in state history.