Sam Hall in the Clarion Ledger describes how a Republican state legislator in Mississippi opposed a ballot measure because a “black judge” would decide its fate:

In a speech to the Tishomingo County Midway Republican Rally, Carpenter outlined his opposition to Initiative 42. He initially used the same language as most opponents, that a Hinds County judge would be deciding the fate of public education funding. Mind you, the language being voted on does not mention Hinds County at all. And while any legal challenge to the Legislature would take place in Hinds County, it’s funny how opponents have been quick to point out everything that’s not in the amendment language but this one fact.

Many assume the “Hinds County judge” language is used as a means of saying “black judge,” though opponents have been adamant that such a claim is ridiculous, even feigning insult when the question is asked.

Enter Bubba Carpenter.

“If 42 passes in its form, a judge in Hinds County, Mississippi, predominantly black — it’s going to be a black judge — they’re going to tell us where the state education money goes,” Carpenter said.