Mississippi Supreme Court candidates show disparate fundraising so far

June 14, 2012

Mississippi: An analysis by the Clarion Ledger has highlighted the disproportional fundraising totals in one of Mississippi's key Supreme Court races. Josiah Dennis Coleman and Richard T. Phillips are seeking election in November to replace retiring Justice George Carlson.

So far, Coleman, who works at an Oxford law firm and specializes in corporate and small business defense law, is trailing Phillips, a lawyer who specializes in corporate defense and a former president of the Mississippi Association for Justice (formerly known as the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association). Coleman's current bank total is around $5,900, while Phillips boasts over $115,000. In contributions, Coleman has received $17,202 to Phillips's $61,190.

Coleman does have a big endorsement by BIPEC, a business group known for their influence in Mississippi political fundraising. Focused fundraising efforts have just begun, so much could change in the months ahead.