Looking to the past and the future

Tue, March 11, 2008 - 8:29 PM

Tue, March 11, 2008 - 8:39 PM CDT

Top Obama supporters in the state have taken the stage, including former Gov. Ray Mabus.

Several hinted they are proud of Mississippi's vote tonight, given the state’s tumultuous history of race relations.

“Tonight is Mississippi’s night, because tonight Mississippi has helped pick the next president of the United States of America,” Mabus said.

Kevin Griffis, a campaign spokesman, spoke and thanked Mississippi for supporting Obama.

He also warned supporters to stay the course.

“This campaign is going to get rougher,” he said. “It’s going to get more divisive.”

Griffis urged supporters to get ready to help Obama take the state in November.

That may be tough, since it’s been decades since the state’s electoral votes went to a Democratic candidate.

Superdelegate Johnnie Patton also got onstage and said she’s looking toward the future.

Clearly she's ready to use her superpowers: “When I go to Denver, I’m taking your vote with me, because guess what? I’m a superdelegate!”

-- Amy Dominello