NATCHEZ &045; If sweat could earn sheriff hopefuls Danny Barber and Ronny Brown the Democratic nomination, it would be a tie.

Right up until the last days before Tuesday’s Democratic runoff, both candidates were knocking on doors, shaking hands and handing out campaign cards in an effort to sway sometime voters and undecideds.

By mid-afternoon Saturday, Brown had made his way through Morgantown to Covington Road Apartments, wiping his brow in the hot August sun as he went.

&uot;I’m looking forward to the fall,&uot; Brown said with the laugh. He was referring to November, when the winner of Tuesday’s contest will face incumbent Sheriff Tommy Ferrell, a Republican, in the general election.

He had just come from a pre-election barbecue with supporters; Saturday night’s schedule included a fish fry at his home.

&uot;I’m Ronny Brown, and I’m running for sheriff. The runoff’s Tuesday. Are you registered? Please consider me,&uot; Brown told those he caught at home Saturday, pressing a campaign card into each person’s hand.

Those he couldn’t reach in person got cards inched into the sides of their doors. Children riding bicycles and walking dogs even received some to take home to their parents. He told them of his plans, if elected, to restart the junior deputy and DARE programs. Their response? &uot;Awesome.&uot;

Most exchanges are like these, brief and to the point. &uot;I figure they’ve already gotten some of my letters and know what’s going on,&uot; Brown said.

However, campaign workers note those they encounter who want to ask Brown further questions, and he visits them in turn.

&uot;Most people say the same thing &045; it’s time for a change,&uot; Brown said. &uot;They’re concerned about the drug problem and the jail, when a family’s had someone in jail.&uot;

While the conversations themselves might be casual, there’s a strategy behind it all, Brown said. He and his 40 campaign workers have picked the polls where he did not place as well as he hoped in the Aug. 5 primary and are focusing their visits and calls in those areas.

&uot;We’ve pretty well covered the whole county, Š just trying to get the votes out,&uot; Brown said.