Bob Dearing |
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(January 26, 1935 – July 30, 2020)
July 30, 2020: Clarion Ledger: Former Mississippi state Sen. Bob Dearing of Natchez dies
Former Mississippi state Sen. Bob M. Dearing of Natchez, who worked to expand highways, legalize casino gambling and strengthen laws against animal cruelty, died Thursday at home, a funeral home said. He was 85.
Dearing — often called Bob M. by his friends and colleagues — was a Democrat who was first elected to the state Senate in 1979. He served 32 years before he was defeated in 2011 by Republican Melanie Sojourner. In a 2015 rematch, Dearing defeated Sojourner in a district covering Adams, Amite, Franklin and Pike counties in southwestern Mississippi. He chose not to seek reelection in 2019.
Former Mississippi state Sen. Bob M. Dearing of Natchez, who worked to expand highways, legalize casino gambling and strengthen laws against animal cruelty, died Thursday at home, a funeral home said. He was 85.
Dearing — often called Bob M. by his friends and colleagues — was a Democrat who was first elected to the state Senate in 1979. He served 32 years before he was defeated in 2011 by Republican Melanie Sojourner. In a 2015 rematch, Dearing defeated Sojourner in a district covering Adams, Amite, Franklin and Pike counties in southwestern Mississippi. He chose not to seek reelection in 2019.
Jan 18, 2016: Natchez Democrat: Panel sides with Dearing in Senate election challenge
A committee recommends that Democrat Bob Dearing be confirmed as winner of a contested election for a Mississippi Senate seat.
A committee recommends that Democrat Bob Dearing be confirmed as winner of a contested election for a Mississippi Senate seat.
Jan 11, 2016: Clarion Ledger: Hearings for contested House, Senate races set
In the Senate, Sen. Melanie Sojourner, R-Natchez, is contesting her loss to former Democratic Sen. Bob Dearing. Dearing by 64 votes, claiming poll workers in one precinct violated laws.
In the Senate, Sen. Melanie Sojourner, R-Natchez, is contesting her loss to former Democratic Sen. Bob Dearing. Dearing by 64 votes, claiming poll workers in one precinct violated laws.
Jan 6, 2016: Madison County Journal: PERRY/2016 Legislature
Burton introduced a resolution to establish the procedure to hear the election contest of Republican Melanie Sojourner against Democrat Bob Dearing in Senate District 37. Sojourner defeated then incumbent Dearing four years ago; this year Dearing came out on top in the rematch. Sojourner claims the results were marred by election irregularities or fraud.
Burton introduced a resolution to establish the procedure to hear the election contest of Republican Melanie Sojourner against Democrat Bob Dearing in Senate District 37. Sojourner defeated then incumbent Dearing four years ago; this year Dearing came out on top in the rematch. Sojourner claims the results were marred by election irregularities or fraud.
Jan 5, 2016: WTVA: Senate panel to to hear election challenge in District 37
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves is naming a five-member committee to hear Republican Melanie Sojourner's challenge to Democrat Bob Dearing's victory in state Senate District 37, which covers all of Franklin County and parts of Adams, Amite and Pike counties.
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves is naming a five-member committee to hear Republican Melanie Sojourner's challenge to Democrat Bob Dearing's victory in state Senate District 37, which covers all of Franklin County and parts of Adams, Amite and Pike counties.
Jan 5, 2016: Hattiesburg American: Lawmakers kick off 2016 session
It was more pageantry than actual work for senators Tuesday, but the body did reappoint Senate staffers and named the committee that will make the recommendation on the election challenge of former state Sen. Melanie Sojourner, R-Natchez, who is contesting her November general election defeat to Bob Dearing, D-Natchez, whom she ousted four years ago.
It was more pageantry than actual work for senators Tuesday, but the body did reappoint Senate staffers and named the committee that will make the recommendation on the election challenge of former state Sen. Melanie Sojourner, R-Natchez, who is contesting her November general election defeat to Bob Dearing, D-Natchez, whom she ousted four years ago.
Jan 3, 2016: Natchez Democrat: Dearing, Sojourner eyeing District 37 seat
Former Sen. Bob Dearing officially won by 64 votes the race against Sen. Melanie Sojourner — who displaced him in 2012 — in November, but Sojourner has appealed the results in December, citing alleged irregularities.
Former Sen. Bob Dearing officially won by 64 votes the race against Sen. Melanie Sojourner — who displaced him in 2012 — in November, but Sojourner has appealed the results in December, citing alleged irregularities.
Nov 7, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Pender: 42 vote was disaster averted, not GOP victory
Incumbent Republican Sen. Melanie Sojourner of Natchez and former Democratic Sen. Bob Dearing are awaiting the count of more than 300 affidavit ballots in the District 37 race. Late last week, each was claiming to hold a slight lead.
Incumbent Republican Sen. Melanie Sojourner of Natchez and former Democratic Sen. Bob Dearing are awaiting the count of more than 300 affidavit ballots in the District 37 race. Late last week, each was claiming to hold a slight lead.
Sept 15, 2015: Enterprise Journal:Sojourner, Dearing square off at chamber
Senate District 37 candidates Bob Dearing and Melanie Sojourner laid out their cases in no uncertain terms Monday at a Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Senate District 37 candidates Bob Dearing and Melanie Sojourner laid out their cases in no uncertain terms Monday at a Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
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Sept 6, 2015: Gulf Live: Analysis: Former lawmakers aim for Mississippi Senate seats
In District 37 near the southwestern corner of the state, Democrat Bob Dearing, who served 32 years in the Senate, is challenging Republican Sen. Melanie Sojourner, a fellow Natchez resident who unseated him in 2011. The district includes all of Franklin County and parts of Adams, Amite and Pike counties.
In District 37 near the southwestern corner of the state, Democrat Bob Dearing, who served 32 years in the Senate, is challenging Republican Sen. Melanie Sojourner, a fellow Natchez resident who unseated him in 2011. The district includes all of Franklin County and parts of Adams, Amite and Pike counties.
Aug 5, 2015: Natchez Democrat: Sojourner, Dearing to face off again in State Senate race
Incumbent Republican State Sen. Melanie Sojourner, R-District 37, of Natchez, handily defeated challengers Lane Reed, Meadville mayor, and Natchez resident Curtis Moroney in Tuesday’s primary election. On the Democratic side, Bob M. Dearing of Natchez, who served as District 37 senator for 32 years, defeated challenger Etta Batteaste-Taplin. Sojourner defeated Dearing for the position in 2011.
Incumbent Republican State Sen. Melanie Sojourner, R-District 37, of Natchez, handily defeated challengers Lane Reed, Meadville mayor, and Natchez resident Curtis Moroney in Tuesday’s primary election. On the Democratic side, Bob M. Dearing of Natchez, who served as District 37 senator for 32 years, defeated challenger Etta Batteaste-Taplin. Sojourner defeated Dearing for the position in 2011.
July 18, 2015: Natchez Democrat: County senate candidates talk on issues at forum
Former Sen. Bob Dearing — who lost the seat four years ago — said he is running for office because people have been asking him to for several years. “I started getting phone calls people started stopping me at Walmart, at the post office and saying, ‘Bob, we need you back in office, we are not at all happy with what is going on in Jackson with our senator,’” he said.
Former Sen. Bob Dearing — who lost the seat four years ago — said he is running for office because people have been asking him to for several years. “I started getting phone calls people started stopping me at Walmart, at the post office and saying, ‘Bob, we need you back in office, we are not at all happy with what is going on in Jackson with our senator,’” he said.
Mar 1, 2015: Jackson Jambalaya: And the horses are at the gate
*Bob Dearing qualified to run against Melanie Sojourner for her Senate seat. She beat him in the last election. She thus has one Democratic and two Republican opponents.
*Bob Dearing qualified to run against Melanie Sojourner for her Senate seat. She beat him in the last election. She thus has one Democratic and two Republican opponents.
Feb 28, 2015: Natchez Democrat:Moroney, Dearing run for Senate seat
In addition to the incumbent senator and Kingston-area resident Melanie Sojourner and Natchez resident and former senator Bob M. Dearing, Natchez resident Curtis Moroney has qualified to run for the District 37 seat.
In addition to the incumbent senator and Kingston-area resident Melanie Sojourner and Natchez resident and former senator Bob M. Dearing, Natchez resident Curtis Moroney has qualified to run for the District 37 seat.
Feb 27, 2015: Listen Up Yall: Legislative Candidates File to Run
Bob M. Dearing — who served in the Senate for 32 years — filed to run for his old seat as a Democrat on Wednesday. Sojourner, a Republican, filed Thursday as today's deadline to qualify approaches. She's being challenged in the August Republican primary by Curtis Moroney of Natchez and Meadville Mayor Lane Reed.
Bob M. Dearing — who served in the Senate for 32 years — filed to run for his old seat as a Democrat on Wednesday. Sojourner, a Republican, filed Thursday as today's deadline to qualify approaches. She's being challenged in the August Republican primary by Curtis Moroney of Natchez and Meadville Mayor Lane Reed.
Sept 11, 2013: MBJ: Ex-state lawmaker Thames dies in Jackson at 69
Democrat Bob Dearing of Natchez was elected to the Senate the same time as Billy Thames, and served until January 2012. As freshmen senators, they were desk mates for more than two years when the Capitol was under renovation and the Legislature was meeting a block away, in Jackson’s former Central High School. Dearing said Thames was a skilled budget writer and “probably the number one champion of mental health issues.”“He was just one heck of a guy,” Dearing said. “If he told you he was
Democrat Bob Dearing of Natchez was elected to the Senate the same time as Billy Thames, and served until January 2012. As freshmen senators, they were desk mates for more than two years when the Capitol was under renovation and the Legislature was meeting a block away, in Jackson’s former Central High School. Dearing said Thames was a skilled budget writer and “probably the number one champion of mental health issues.”“He was just one heck of a guy,” Dearing said. “If he told you he was
Dec 14, 2012: Delta State University: Senator Bob Dearing conferred with honorary degree at Delta State Fall Commencement
Retired State Senator and Delta State University alumnus Bob M. Dearing was bestowed with one of the university’s highest honors – an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, as nearly 400 Delta State University graduates received their degrees during the 2012 Fall Commencement held Saturday, December 15 in the Walter Sillers Coliseum.
Retired State Senator and Delta State University alumnus Bob M. Dearing was bestowed with one of the university’s highest honors – an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, as nearly 400 Delta State University graduates received their degrees during the 2012 Fall Commencement held Saturday, December 15 in the Walter Sillers Coliseum.
2012: Teach Hub: Former Senator Guides Students Through Government
Former Senator Bob Dearing is heading back to the classroom to teach government courses after spending 32 years as the Mississippi state senator.
Former Senator Bob Dearing is heading back to the classroom to teach government courses after spending 32 years as the Mississippi state senator.
Dec 31, 2011: Mississippi PEP: Senator Bob Dearing looks back on 31 year legislative career.
When Bob Dearing was a freshman senator he received a call from a reporter asking why he hadn’t cast a vote on an important piece of legislation while it was still in committee. Dearing replied that he wasn’t a member of the committee but the reporter protested, saying he had seen Dearing cast votes in the committee before. “I told him, ‘Oh, those are only raise your hand votes,’” Dearing said.
When Bob Dearing was a freshman senator he received a call from a reporter asking why he hadn’t cast a vote on an important piece of legislation while it was still in committee. Dearing replied that he wasn’t a member of the committee but the reporter protested, saying he had seen Dearing cast votes in the committee before. “I told him, ‘Oh, those are only raise your hand votes,’” Dearing said.
Nov 9, 2011: Mississippi PEP: Sojourner leads by 494 votes
Though Melanie Sojourner’s camp did a bit of celebrating Tuesday night, the candidate ended Election Day saying the race was too close to call. Sojourner, a Republican, was challenging long-time Democrat Bob Dearing for the Senate District 37 Seat.
Though Melanie Sojourner’s camp did a bit of celebrating Tuesday night, the candidate ended Election Day saying the race was too close to call. Sojourner, a Republican, was challenging long-time Democrat Bob Dearing for the Senate District 37 Seat.
Apr 27, 2011: Humane Society of US: The HSUS Praises Mississippi Governor for Signing Felony Animal Cruelty Bill Into Law
SB 2821, sponsored by staunch animal protector Sen. Bob Dearing, D-Natchez, is a long overdue improvement to a state cruelty statute that The HSUS had rated as the weakest in the nation. The new law makes aggravated cruelty to dogs and cats a felony on the second offense; allows the courts to require animal abusers to receive psychological counseling and ban them from working with animals; allows shelters that house seized animals to receive financial restitution from the offender for the cost of caring for the animals; provides simple misdemeanor penalties for cruelty and neglect of all animals; and—for the first time in Mississippi history—outlaws keeping dogs outside without adequate shelter.
SB 2821, sponsored by staunch animal protector Sen. Bob Dearing, D-Natchez, is a long overdue improvement to a state cruelty statute that The HSUS had rated as the weakest in the nation. The new law makes aggravated cruelty to dogs and cats a felony on the second offense; allows the courts to require animal abusers to receive psychological counseling and ban them from working with animals; allows shelters that house seized animals to receive financial restitution from the offender for the cost of caring for the animals; provides simple misdemeanor penalties for cruelty and neglect of all animals; and—for the first time in Mississippi history—outlaws keeping dogs outside without adequate shelter.
May 2008: Mississippi Medical News: Natchez Regional Medical Center Weighs Options to Avoid Bankruptcy
“That would be the last thing the board and I want to do, but that option is available,” said Sen. Bob Dearing, D-Natchez. “It is a beautiful facility and means so much to the community.” Dearing was instrumental with getting a bill through the state legislature to allow the publicly-owned hospital to file under Chapter 9, a seldom used section of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. It provides protection from creditors for a financially distressed public body while a plan for adjusting those debts is developed and negotiated. The bill was passed and the governor signed it on March 31. The hospital is owned by Adams County; the county provides no monetary support.
“That would be the last thing the board and I want to do, but that option is available,” said Sen. Bob Dearing, D-Natchez. “It is a beautiful facility and means so much to the community.” Dearing was instrumental with getting a bill through the state legislature to allow the publicly-owned hospital to file under Chapter 9, a seldom used section of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. It provides protection from creditors for a financially distressed public body while a plan for adjusting those debts is developed and negotiated. The bill was passed and the governor signed it on March 31. The hospital is owned by Adams County; the county provides no monetary support.
Mississippi Legislature 2006 1st Extraordinary Session Senator Bob M. Dearing
Feb 11, 2004: Enterprise Journal: Sen. Bob Dearing introduces long list of bills
Here are bills that District 37 Sen. Bob Dearing, D-Natchez,has authored so far this session:
Here are bills that District 37 Sen. Bob Dearing, D-Natchez,has authored so far this session:
- Project Vote Smart - Ballotpedia - Open States -
Bob M. Dearing is a former Democratic member of the Mississippi Senate. He represented the 37th District from 1980 to 2011. In 2011, he was defeated by Republican Melanie Sojourner. Dearing earned his BSE from Delta State University in 1957. He went on to receive his ME in Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1965. Dearing has worked as Vice President of Sale/Marketing for Silent Knight Incorporated. He served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1962. He also worked as an Elementary Teacher for Natchez-Adams County School District from 1958 to 1962, and he worked as Principal from 1962 to 1966. From 1966 to 1986 he was an Associate for International Business Machines Corporation. He has been an Agent for American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus since 1990.
Bob M. Dearing is a former Democratic member of the Mississippi Senate. He represented the 37th District from 1980 to 2011. In 2011, he was defeated by Republican Melanie Sojourner. Dearing earned his BSE from Delta State University in 1957. He went on to receive his ME in Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1965. Dearing has worked as Vice President of Sale/Marketing for Silent Knight Incorporated. He served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1962. He also worked as an Elementary Teacher for Natchez-Adams County School District from 1958 to 1962, and he worked as Principal from 1962 to 1966. From 1966 to 1986 he was an Associate for International Business Machines Corporation. He has been an Agent for American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus since 1990.