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What’s one special memory that stands<br />
≤.<br />
out during your time campaigning?<br />
Michael - The memory that stands out the most to me is<br />
standing on the stage with my family at Mudbugs on election<br />
night. Looking out at the people in attendance, I saw a room<br />
filled with friends and family who had spent the last ten<br />
months working alongside us. We have been blessed to<br />
have the support of our community, and it was a humbling<br />
experience to have those that worked so hard for us to be<br />
able to share in our celebration.<br />
Haley – There are so many memories that I will cherish, but<br />
one thing that stands out the most is meeting all the people<br />
who care about their communities and families. Everywhere<br />
we went, we were always welcomed by people who truly care<br />
for an issue facing their town or community. We have some of<br />
the most wonderful people in the world living in our state and<br />
the opportunity to meet them and spend time with them was<br />
a very special opportunity.<br />
What was the most difficult part of<br />
≤.<br />
campaigning?<br />
Michael - The most difficult part of the campaign was the<br />
time I had to spend away from home as we traveled across the<br />
congressional district. I am extremely grateful to my family for<br />
their dedication, hard work, and sacrifice.<br />
Haley - That’s a hard question to answer. When we were<br />
tired, Michael and I tried to remind ourselves that this was a<br />
part of God’s plan. That made it all worth it. Our desire was to<br />
be faithful to His will each and every day.<br />
Who has been your role model and why?<br />
≤.<br />
Michael - I have had many outstanding role models throughout<br />
my life. When I was a child, my parents always set an<br />
example of how to live a life that would bring honor to our<br />
Heavenly Father. I believe this has had a profound impact on<br />
the way I’ve lived my life, raised two boys with my wife, and<br />
served the people of Madison and Rankin Counties as their<br />
district attorney. During our campaign, I always tried to model<br />
our campaign after our current congressman – Gregg Harper.<br />
Gregg has served our state and nation well during his ten years<br />
in office, and he has always been a man of honor and integrity.<br />
What are your plans for how you’ll<br />
≤.<br />
divide family time between Brandon<br />
and Washington?<br />
Michael - I intend to travel back and forth to Washington,<br />
but my family will remain in Brandon. Brandon has always<br />
been and always will be our home, and I cannot imagine our<br />
children growing up anywhere else. Washington is where<br />
I’ll go to work and Brandon is where I’ll keep my home.<br />
What do you think the biggest adjustment<br />
≤.<br />
to this political arena will be?<br />
Michael - I believe that my experience as district attorney,<br />
serving the people of Mississippi, has prepared me to<br />
represent our state in Congress. I know that challenges lie<br />
ahead as I move into a new position, but I am confident that<br />
if I surround myself with an experienced staff then I will<br />
quickly be able to transition into my role as an effective<br />
congressman on behalf of the people of Mississippi.<br />
Was there a particular Bible verse that<br />
≤.<br />
you claimed or were motivated by during<br />
your campaign?<br />
Michael - Throughout the campaign I have often reflected<br />
on Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you declares<br />
the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to<br />
give you hope and a future.” This verse would remind me that<br />
God was in control and that His will for my life would prevail.<br />
Haley - The Bible verse that always brought me encouragement<br />
was Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God<br />
works for the good of those who love Him, who have been<br />
called according to His purpose.”<br />
36 • Winter 2018