Video: Pontotoc Attorney Says Education Priority For First District

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) –  Five days from now, Northeast Mississippi voters will select a man to finish the term of late Congressman Alan Nunnelee, who died in February.

Tonight,  our Allie Martin talked to the Democratic candidate, who garnered the most votes in a field of 13 contenders earlier this month.   Here now a look at Walter Zinn Junior.

With turnout low in the May 12th election, Walter Zinn Junior is taking no chances for next Tuesday’s runoff.

Zinn held a rally at Tupelo’s City Hall where he was endorsed by the Mississippi Educators Association.

The 34 year old attorney is from Pontotoc and has worked as a political consultant.  His campaign motto is “Mississippi First” and Zinn says it is catching on with voters.

“They’re encouraging my message of improving the least of these as our good Christian book says, and I am the only one holding that message to task,” Zinn said.

Zinn believes the number one issue in the state is education and how to provide more opportunities for graduates.

“Fifty percent of our college graduates are not getting jobs, they are demonstrating a commitment to their educational advancement, some are incurring thousands of dollars in loans because we’re promising them with that education there will be opportunity,” Zinn said.

On social issues, Zinn says his Christian beliefs dictate that marriage is between a man and a woman, but says there are other things to consider.

“Everyone pays taxes, there’s a major problem when you pay taxes and you don’t have access to the services you pay for. If everyone pays for the same judge, if everyone pays for the same courthouse, that does actually marry Christian and heterosexual couples, I would be concerned about depriving someone of their tax invested dollars,” he said.

Zinn was the only African American and the lone Democrat on the May 12th ballot and he garnered the most votes.  He is hoping to capture many of the votes split among eleven other candidates.

“If you don’t think that Walter Zinn is the best candidate, I would ask you to stay at home on June second, but for those who want to see the district do better, who truly are committed to moving Mississippi ahead regardless of party lines, regardless of race, or class, I am the only candidate who is speaking to all of Mississippi,” Zinn said.

Although Republicans have held the First District Congressional Seat all but two and a half years since 1994, Zinn doesn’t believe his affiliation to the Democratic Party will hurt his chances.

“My platform is not indicative of the Democratic Party, I didn’t ask the Democratic Party to run for office, nor anyone else,” Zinn said.

Zinn says without his parent’s blessing, he would never have entered the race, but now he plans to work hard for every vote, until polling places close Tuesday evening.

On Monday, we will profile the Republican candidate, Trent Kelly.