SOUTHAVEN, MS (abc24.com) - How soon is too soon to start campaigning for political office? If you're running for Southaven mayor it's never too early to start, one candidate says. The 2013 mayor's race is expected to be a hot one.
One potential candidate has been spreading the word he's up for election since last November, more than a year before candidates can file for office.
Southaven's mayoral candidates will file to run in January. The primary is not until May. Residents say they are thinking about voting, but in a different election
"I hate the term politician. One thing I'm trying to get away from is politician. I'm not running as a politician. I'm running as a public servant," says Josh Anderson.
No matter what you call it, Anderson wants Southaven voters to know he's running. "Crazy early, but I think it was necessary to get my name out there and my message out there. I'm going to continue to run full speed ahead until Election Day."
That's almost nine months away. "Focus on accountability, transparency, all those things are lacking in Southaven now," he says. "I think we need a big change."
The change he's talking about is from the current administration led by Mayor Greg Davis, who's under investigation by the state and federal governments for mishandling city money.
"It's going to be a factor and it's probably going to increase the turnout too," says Danny Odom.
Voters expect next year's race to be a big one. "It's a little too soon for me to think about it," Odom tells abc24.com. Several say there's an even bigger race they're focused on now.
"The presidential election," Odom says.
"I don't care much about the mayor's stuff. I haven't checked into that, I'm just worried about the president's stuff," says Amanda Morgan. "That will change everything. I care more about that than the local stuff."
"I'll have to analyze who the opponents are and take a good, long fresh look at it when the time comes rather than making up my mind now," Odom agrees.
Anderson's also having a fundraiser tomorrow night in Southaven. One big question remains. Will current mayor Greg Davis run again? He says he'll wait until next year to make his intentions official.
