Video: Canon Endorses Patrick in Lowndes Senate Runoff

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LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — The third-place finisher in last week’s District 17 state senate special election in Lowndes County endorses one of his former  opponents.

Bill Canon announced Monday he is backing retired insurance agent Bobby Patrick, who finished second in last week’s balloting.

Canon, a former legislator for 30 years who had the backing of the family of the late Senator Terry Brown, received 2,417 votes and Patrick got3,120. Lowndes County farmer Chuck Younger led the four-man field with 5,038 votes.

He and Patrick meet in the November 25 runoff to fill the remaining year on Brown’s term.

Canon held the senate seat until he retired in 2003 and Brown was elected. Brown died in September after a year-long fight with cancer. Brown’s family had backed Canon, who said during the campaign he planned to serve just a year until next November when someone will be elected to a full four-year term. Some of Brown’s family has suggested they might run for the seat next year.

In today’s announcement, Canon said, “I am giving my full support to Bobby Patrick for Mississippi State Senator District 17. Mr. Patrick has excellent public speaking skills, understands the issues facing The United States of America, Mississippi, and Lowndes County.

“He is a down-to-earth, Christian man who will serve Lowndes County well in the Mississippi State Senate. I have offered to mentor him as needed with the legislative process when he is elected. In other words, he will have an experienced legislator to support him when he is elected,” Canon added.  “Patrick is the most qualified candidate for numerous reasons. He has a college degree and has proven his ability to build and run a successful business over a long period of time. He is just the right age to begin to serve the people of Lowndes County and will make us proud and will work diligently for Lowndes County and Mississippi.”

“I could not be prouder to receive this endorsement at such an important moment in the campaign,” said Patrick. “Dr. Canon is a respected leader in Lowndes County and throughout the state of Mississippi and it is an honor and privilege to have him behind me as I continue working to earn the opportunity to represent Lowndes County in the State Senate.”

Patrick is a retired insurance agent and businessman. He is active in First Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon and has previously served as Chairman of Deacons. He is a former president and board member of the Lake Norris Fishing Club and he was very active in the Magnolia Kiwanis Club. He and his wife Patsy have been married for 29 years and have 3 children and 9 grandchildren.