But that’s not what has Democrats excited as they prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday. Presley, 46, has focused his campaign on championing populist issues and battling corruption. Reeves, 49, has found himself on the defensive, tangled up in the state’s largest public corruption investigation over misuse of millions of dollars in welfare funds while he was lieutenant governor.
Reeves is still favored to win — Republicans hold all of the top statewide offices and control both chambers of the legislature — but strategists and grassroots activists on both sides say activity on the ground suggests a close race. A Magnolia Tribune/Mason-Dixon poll in early October had Reeves leading by 8 points. Some more recent private polls have suggested the race has tightened, and during the past month the Cook Political Report shifted it from “likely” to “lean” Republican. If neither candidate tops 50%, the contest would go to a runoff three weeks later.
Jackie Davis is so inspired to see a Democrat running a competitive campaign for governor, he rode his motorized wheelchair around this Gulf Coast port city last week, distributing voting information to neighbors who work in nearby shipyards.
“He’s approachable, cares about people less fortunate. This is going to be a close race,” said Davis, 61, who met Presley recently at a local union hall.
Presley might benefit from name recognition because of his famous second cousin, a native of Tupelo, Miss., but he…
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