Bill Text: MS SC512 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Mourn the passing of GOP pioneer Leon C. Bramlett of Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 7-4)
Status: (Passed) 2016-02-16 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC512 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2016-SC512-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Burton, Blackwell, Carmichael, Chassaniol, Clarke, Dearing, Fillingane, Kirby, Simmons (13th), Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 512
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LEGACY AND MOURNING THE PASSING OF GOP PIONEER LEON C. BRAMLETT OF CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXTENDING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, Leon C. Bramlett, a retired farmer and pioneer of the modern Mississippi Republican Party, passed away October 19, 2015, at the age of 92; and
WHEREAS, Bramlett ran for Governor in 1979 and lost in the Republican Primary to Gil Carmichael. In 1983, he ran again and was the Republican nominee against Democrat Bill Allain who was completing his one term as Attorney General; and
WHEREAS, in 1988, he was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. An All-American at the U.S. Naval Academy, he led the school's football team and was a Heavyweight Boxing Champion. He later coached football at the Naval Academy; and
WHEREAS, a former Chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party, Bramlett was recommended as a potential Republican candidate to Jackson Oilman and Republican Leader Billy Mounger in 1979 by former Democratic Governor John Bell Williams. Mounger opposed Carmichael and he and former Republic Party Chairman Wirt Yerger organized the Bramlett Campaign along with other activists who had supported Ronald Reagan over Gerald Ford at the 1976 Republican National Convention. Bramlett's words show many of the same issues addressed by candidates and voters today, were a concern in 1979 as well: "A changing national mood is causing voters to reject traditional political methods. They're electing new faces to government because they've seen that the old ways just don't work any more. We can't look any more to yesterday's politicians for tomorrow's answers. I'm not a professional politician. What I do offer is integrity, common sense and businesslike approach to government"; and
WHEREAS, in 1983, Bramlett ran again and was the Republican nominee for Governor. Reflecting on the campaign this week, former Republican Party Chairman Clarke Reed of Greenville told the Associated Press, "Bramlett took the high road in his campaign, and some of his friends didn't"; and
WHEREAS, over this past decade, Bramlett served in Senator Thad Cockran's state office in the Delta. He retired in 2014. Cockran said in a statement, "I am saddened by the passing of Leon Bramlett. He was a gentleman and as fine a man as you would want to meet. His service to the people of Mississippi is indicative of a life characterized by service to others and a love of family, the Delta and our country"; and
WHEREAS, Governor Phil Bryant expressed his condolences to Bramlett's family in a statement this week, "Leon was a great American who served his state and his nation with honor and distinction. In everything he did, as a Naval Academy graduate, a U.S. Marine, a Republican gubernatorial nominee, and a community leader, he always served with dignity, principle and dedication. It was a great privilege to know him"; and we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi with enormous civic energy which is an example to all:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the legacy and mourn the passing of GOP pioneer Leon C. Bramlett of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and extend the sympathy of the Legislature.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Leon Bramlett, forwarded to the Governor of the State of Mississippi and the Mississippi Republican Party, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
