Pickering and Butler vie for GOP nomination for auditor

Published 4:16 pm Friday, July 31, 2015

His challenger in Tuesday’s Republican primary, Mary Hawkins Butler, says that’s not enough.

Pickering is touting his record as he seeks a third term in the office that oversees the finances of state and local government.

Butler, the nine-term mayor of Madison, accuses him of playing favorites and questions whether Pickering is using his campaign fund to improperly subsidize personal expenses.

Pickering says his use of campaign money is legal, and says he’s been willing to pursue anyone his office can build a case against.

The winner of Tuesday’s primary will face Democrat Joce (JOE’-see) Pritchett of Jackson and Reform Party member LaJena Walley of Hattiesburg in the November general election.