Photo: Matthew Barton signs his qualifying papers to run in the Republican primary for District Attorney as family and friends look on. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
Attorney Matthew Barton Thursday officially qualified for the Republican primary ballot for District Attorney in DeSoto County.
Barton, who earlier announced his intentions to run for District Attorney, signed the papers to be sent to the Republican party headquarters in Jackson to have his name on the ballot. The race at this time is a two-person ballot, with Barton’s name paired against current District Attorney Robert Morris III, who was appointed by Gov. Tate Reeves after the death of John Champion last September.
Barton said his campaign will focus on three areas, that he has a plan for the office, that the office should have a Republican involved and that there has never been a Republican elected as District Attorney and that the District Attorney in DeSoto County should have local ties in the county and is investing in the community.
It was noted that there had not been a contested race for District Attorney in DeSoto County since 1999.
Barton said as District Attorney, he will strive to have a tough, conservative agenda to keep DeSoto County attractive, safe, and secure. He wants to “firewall our state line with Tennessee,” “defend our law enforcement defenders,” and ‘defend our Constitutional rights,” Barton also wants to have a rapid response to drug issues, interrupt illegal immigration, and promote stronger DUI and prosecution standards, as well as other items.
Barton also announced Thursday the activation of his campaign website, www.bartonfordesoto.com.
