Episode 6: Andy Gipson

Civil Conversations with David Baria Podcast

If you pay attention to wacky bills making their way though courthouses around the country, then you should have a particular interest in this episode. Former State Representative Andy Gipson, David's guest on this episode, is responsible for a number of bills that have caused controversy nationwide. From a so-called "personhood" bill to the "bathroom" bill, and from "abuse is no excuse" to "religious freedom" - all the way to this past year's session in which he proposed a bill clarifying the rights of enhanced concealed carry permitters to be able to carry into public spaces like sports stadiums - for Rep Gipson has been the staunchest of conservative voices in a deeply red and deeply religious state. Of course, such a man is easy to dismiss from afar as a "nut". up close and personal is quite another story. He is no bumpkin. He was valedictorian of his law school class, and an attorney at a high-powered law office based in Jackson. He is also an ordained Southern Baptist minister with theological training. In short, Andy is as confounding as he is controversial. A formidable adversary for David in his work at the Capitol, he is also one of only two Republicans willing to have a Civil Convo with David when asked. If you want to hear two bright men on opposite sides of the political and philosophical spectrums have a talk about the business of politics - then you are in the right place. NOTE - since this conversation took place, Rep Gipson was rewarded and at the same time cordoned off from the statehouse by Republican leadership when he was chosen to fill the seat of Commissioner of Agriculture vacated when Cindy Hyde Smith was named US Senator by Gov Phil Bryant after Thad Cochran's retirement in mid-2018.

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