# Bob Dearing

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**Robert Montgomery Dearing** (January 26, 1935 – July 30, 2020) was an American politician, educator, and businessman who served in the [Mississippi Senate](/source/Mississippi_Senate) as a member of the [Democratic Party](/source/Democratic_Party_(United_States)).

Dearing grew up in [Natchez, Mississippi](/source/Natchez,_Mississippi), and graduated from [Delta State University](/source/Delta_State_University) and the [University of Southern Mississippi](/source/University_of_Southern_Mississippi). In the 1970s he became active in politics with unsuccessful campaigns for a seat on the Adams County Board of Supervisors. In 1979, he was elected to the Mississippi Senate until he was defeated by [Melanie Sojourner](/source/Melanie_Sojourner), but Dearing would later defeat Sojourner and decided to not run for reelection.

## Early life and education

Robert Montgomery Dearing[1] was born on January 26, 1935, in [Natchez, Mississippi](/source/Natchez,_Mississippi), to Weenonah Montgomery and Robert V. Dearing.[2] He graduated from [Natchez High School](/source/Natchez_High_School). From 1958 to 1961, Dearing served in the [Mississippi National Guard](/source/Mississippi_National_Guard), from 1961 to 1962, he served in the [United States Army](/source/United_States_Army), and served in the national guard again from 1962 to 1964.[3]

From 1953 to 1957, he attended [Delta State Teachers College](/source/Delta_State_University) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in education, and graduated from the [University of Southern Mississippi](/source/University_of_Southern_Mississippi) with a master's degree in school administration in 1965. From 1958 to 1964, he taught and coached in the Natchez public school system and was an elementary principal from 1965 to 1966.[2]

In 1966, Dearing was named as Outstanding Young Man of the Year by the Natchez [Jaycees](/source/United_States_Junior_Chamber).[4] In 1997, Dearing was named as the Outstanding Alumnus of 1997 by Delta State University.[5]

Dearing married Shelley Paige Ditzler, with whom he had three children.[6]

## Career

### Local politics

In 1971, Dearing ran for a seat on the [Adams County](/source/Adams_County,_Mississippi) Board of Supervisors from the 2nd district, but was defeated by A. Boyd Sojourner.[7] He was defeated by Sojourner again in 1975.[8] (Sojourner's granddaughter [Melanie Sojourner](/source/Melanie_Sojourner) would later defeat Dearing in the 2011 election for the state Senate.)[9] In 1981, he was elected to a three-year term on the Delta State University Foundation Board of Directors.[10]

### Mississippi Senate

#### Elections

On August 7, 1979, Dearing won the Democratic nomination for a seat in the [Mississippi Senate](/source/Mississippi_State_Senate) from the 38th district and won in the general election.[11][12]

In 1983, he won reelection against Republican nominee Jack Templeton in the 37th district.[13] In 1987, he won reelection.[14] In 1991, he won reelection without opposition.[15] In 1995, he defeated Charles Ravencraft in the Democratic primary and Republican nominee Erle Drane in the general election.[16][17] In 1999, he defeated Scott Pintard in the Democratic primary and won reelection without opposition in the general election.[18][19] In 2003, and 2007, he won reelection without opposition.[20][21]

During the 2011 elections Dearing started with no money in his campaign war chest as the $5,800 he raised during 2010 was spent by the end of that year.[22] In the general election he was defeated by Republican nominee [Melanie Sojourner](/source/Melanie_Sojourner).[23]

In 2015, Dearing ran against Sojourner and narrowly defeated her with 8,218 to 8,154 votes.[24] Sojourner claimed that there were illegalities and irregularities with the election and attempted to have the Mississippi Senate vote to seat her instead of Dearing. On January 18, 2016, the Mississippi Senate voted 47 to 3 to seat Dearing and he was inaugurated on the same day.[25][26]

On January 3, 2019, Dearing announced that he would not seek reelection.[27] Sojourner won in the election to succeed Dearing and took office on January 7, 2020.[28]

#### Tenure

In 1984, Dearing was appointed to serve as the vice chairman of the Corrections committee.[29] In 1988, he was appointed to serve as the chairman of the Municipalities committee.[30] In 1992, he was appointed to serve as the chairman of the Forestry committee.[31] In 1993, he was appointed to serve as chairman of the Fees and Salaries committee.[32] In 1996, he was appointed to serve as chairman of the Environmental Protection, Conservation and Water Resources committee and as a member of the Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review committee.[33] In 2000, he was appointed to serve as the chairman of the Highways and Transportation committee.[34] In 2004, he was appointed to serve as the chairman of the Oil, Gas and Other Minerals committee.[35]

In 1997, Dearing was appointed to the [Southern States Energy Board](/source/Southern_States_Energy_Board) by Lieutenant Governor [Ronnie Musgrove](/source/Ronnie_Musgrove).[36]

During the 2008–2011 session of the Mississippi Senate, he served on the Economic Development, Finance, Highways and Transportation, Insurance, Public Health and Welfare, Oil, Gas and Other Minerals, and Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks committees.[37] In 2016, he was appointed to serve as the vice chairman of the Public Property committee.[38]

## Death

Dearing died in Natchez, Mississippi, on July 30, 2020, at the age of 85.[2] On August 8, he will be buried in the Natchez City Cemetery.[1]

## Political positions and legislation

In 1980, Dearing was one of four state senators, including Ed Ellington, [Wayne Burkes](/source/Wayne_Burkes), and Howard Dyer, to receive a 100% rating from the [League of Women Voters](/source/League_of_Women_Voters).[39] In 1984, he wrote a resolution, which was unanimously supported by the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives, requesting [CBS](/source/CBS) to not cancel *[The Mississippi](/source/The_Mississippi_(TV_series))*, a television show which was filmed in Natchez.[40][41] On January 16, 1997, the Mississippi Senate voted 38 to 12, with Dearing in favor, in favor of [Motor Voter](/source/National_Voter_Registration_Act_of_1993) legislation.[42]

### Animals

In 2006, Dearing introduced legislation, which was passed by the legislature, that would amend Mississippi's animal cruelty law to include cats as the current law only criminalized cruelty against dogs.[43][44] During his tenure in the Mississippi Senate he proposed legislation that would make animal cruelty a felony offense on the third instance, as under the current law only dog fighting or intentional poisoning could be punished with felony charges.[45]

In 2010, Dearing introduced legislation that would prohibit [deer hunting](/source/Deer_hunting) with dogs in the [Homochitto National Forest](/source/Homochitto_National_Forest), but the legislation died in the Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks committee.[46][47]

### Gambling

In 1990, Dearing introduced legislation that would allow [riverboat gambling](/source/Riverboat_casino) along the [Mississippi River](/source/Mississippi_River). On February 2, the Mississippi Senate voted 23 to 21 in favor of the legislation, and the House Ways and Means committee voted to advance the bill on February 22.[48][49][50] On March 7, the [Mississippi House of Representatives](/source/Mississippi_House_of_Representatives) voted 66 to 52 in favor of an amended version of the legislation which was approved by the Mississippi Senate, by a vote of 22 to 20.[51][52] On March 20, Governor [Ray Mabus](/source/Ray_Mabus) signed the legislation into law and riverboat gambling became legal in Mississippi on April 1.[53][54]

### Religion

In 1987, Dearing co-sponsored a resolution asking for the [United States Congress](/source/United_States_Congress) to pass a constitutional amendment to allow [prayer in schools](/source/School_prayer_in_the_United_States).[55]

On March 30, 1994, the Mississippi Senate voted 41 to 9, with Dearing in favor, in favor of legislation that would allow prayer at school and school events only if the prayer was initiated by students.[56]

### Taxation

In 1990, Dearing, Barbara Blanton, Buddy Bond, and [Bill Renick](/source/Bill_Renick) introduced legislation that would increase the [sales tax](/source/Sales_tax) from 6¢ to 7¢ and use the 1¢ increase to pay for an education reform bill. The Mississippi Senate voted 28 to 22 in favor of the legislation.[57]

On March 6, 1995, the Mississippi Senate voted 30 to 15, with Dearing against, in favor of a constitutional amendment that would prohibit courts in Mississippi from forcing tax increases.[58] During the 1995 elections the ballot initiative, under the name Amendment Number One, was approved.[59][60]

In 2006, the Mississippi Senate voted 36 to 15, with Dearing voting in favor, in favor of legislation that would raise the cigarette tax from 18 to 75 on July 1, 2006, and then to $1 on July 1, 2007. The legislation also decreased the 7% sales tax on groceries by 2.5% on July 1, 2006, then by 1% on July 1, 2007, and then by 0.5% every year until 2014.[61] However, Governor [Haley Barbour](/source/Haley_Barbour) vetoed the legislation. On March 29, the Mississippi Senate voted 29 to 20, with Dearing voting in favor, in favor of overriding Barbour's veto, but was four votes short.[62]

## References

1. ["Robert Montgomery Dearing obituary"](https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/clarionledger/obituary.aspx?n=robert-montgomery-dearing&pid=196574913&fhid=6095). *Clarion-Ledger*. July 31, 2020. p. 14. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801023415/https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/clarionledger/obituary.aspx?n=robert-montgomery-dearing&pid=196574913&fhid=6095) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020.

1. ["Former Sen. Bob Dearing dies at 85"](https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2020/07/30/former-sen-bob-dearing-dies-at-85/). *The Natchez Democrat*. July 30, 2020. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200731213715/https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2020/07/30/former-sen-bob-dearing-dies-at-85/) July 31, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 30, 2020.

1. ["Education and military"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56479118/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. September 13, 1992. p. 5. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801104810/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56479118/enterprise-journal/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Dearing to be honored at DSU homecoming Sat."](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478854/the-clarksdale-press-register/). *The Clarksdale Press Register*. October 17, 1997. p. 5. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801074542/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478854/the-clarksdale-press-register/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Sen. Dearing named outstanding alumnus"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478848/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. October 15, 1997. p. 4. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801074636/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478848/enterprise-journal/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Former Mississippi Sen. Bob Dearing dies at 85"](https://www.wjtv.com/news/former-mississippi-sen-bob-dearing-dies-at-85/). *[WJTV](/source/WJTV)*. July 30, 2020. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200731215149/https://www.wjtv.com/news/former-mississippi-sen-bob-dearing-dies-at-85/) July 31, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 31, 2020.

1. ["1971 election results"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56456580/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. August 5, 1971. p. 28. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200731222906/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56456580/clarion-ledger/) July 31, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 31, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["1975 election results"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56456869/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. August 27, 1975. p. 14. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200731223212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56456869/clarion-ledger/) July 31, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 31, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. Guajardo, Rod (2014-02-20). ["Southwest Mississippi Legislators: Sojourner willing to serve Miss. citizens"](https://m.natchezdemocrat.com/2014/02/20/southwest-mississippi-legislators-sojourner-willing-to-serve-miss-citizens/). *The Natchez Democrat*. Retrieved 2021-04-01.

1. ["To DSU Board of Directors"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56459787/the-enterprise-tocsin/). *The Enterprise-Tocsin*. November 13, 1980. p. 20. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200731232910/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56459787/the-enterprise-tocsin/) July 31, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 31, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

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1. ["1995 primary results"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481824/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. August 9, 1995. p. 8. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801121213/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481824/clarion-ledger/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["1995 election results"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481981/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. November 8, 1995. p. 14. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801121217/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481981/clarion-ledger/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["1999 primary results"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544338/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. August 4, 1999. p. 7. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802081107/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544338/enterprise-journal/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["1999 election results"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544365/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. November 3, 1999. p. 10. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802081248/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544365/clarion-ledger/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["2003 election results"](http://www.sos.state.ms.us/elections/2003GeneralReCap/Certified/12State%20Senate%20(Multi-County%20Districts).pdf). *[Secretary of State of Mississippi](/source/Secretary_of_State_of_Mississippi)*

1. ["2007 election results"](http://www.sos.state.ms.us/elections/2007/Statewide%20Results/State%20Senate%20(Multi-County%20Districts).pdf). *[Secretary of State of Mississippi](/source/Secretary_of_State_of_Mississippi)*

1. ["Fundraising: Several lawmakers have under $10K"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546240/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. February 4, 2011. p. A002. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802112201/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546240/enterprise-journal/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["2011 election results"](https://www.sos.ms.gov/links/elections/results/statewide/MS%20Senate%20MULTI%20COUNTY%20-%20General%20Election%202011%20Results.pdf). *[Secretary of State of Mississippi](/source/Secretary_of_State_of_Mississippi)*

1. ["2015 election results"](https://www.sos.ms.gov/Elections-Voting/Pages/2015-General-Election.aspx). *[Secretary of State of Mississippi](/source/Secretary_of_State_of_Mississippi)*

1. ["Senate rejects Sojourner challenge, seats Dearing"](https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2016/01/18/sojourner-senate-challenge/78970688/). *Clarion-Ledger*. January 18, 2016. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802113913/https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2016/01/18/sojourner-senate-challenge/78970688/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020.

1. ["Sen. Bob Dearing sworn in"](https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2016/01/20/sen-bob-dearing-sworn/79054228/). *Clarion-Ledger*. January 20, 2016. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801024357/https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2016/01/20/sen-bob-dearing-sworn/79054228/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020.

1. ["Senator Bob Dearing decides not to run for re-election"](https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2019/01/04/senator-bob-dearing-decides-not-to-run-for-re-election/?fbclid=IwAR1Qk0R5g0RepLWnhHaRDYQ5EcLWC6ootuwNyx_DE6SstgKEoYHmlGZBEMs). *The Natchez Democrat*. January 4, 2019. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801022458/https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2019/01/04/senator-bob-dearing-decides-not-to-run-for-re-election/?fbclid=IwAR1Qk0R5g0RepLWnhHaRDYQ5EcLWC6ootuwNyx_DE6SstgKEoYHmlGZBEMs) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020.

1. ["Lawmakers set to take oaths, start new term"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546728/the-greenwood-commonwealth/). *The Greenwood Commonwealth*. January 7, 2020. p. A10. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802114726/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546728/the-greenwood-commonwealth/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Corrections vice chairman"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56467544/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. January 13, 1984. p. 8. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801020016/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56467544/clarion-ledger/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Municipalities committee"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478338/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. January 19, 1988. p. 10. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801070229/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478338/clarion-ledger/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["1992 committee chairmen"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478928/hattiesburg-american/). *Hattiesburg American*. January 10, 1992. p. 10. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801075126/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478928/hattiesburg-american/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["1993 committee chairmen"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481282/the-clarksdale-press-register/). *The Clarksdale Press Register*. January 7, 1993. p. 2. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801113118/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481282/the-clarksdale-press-register/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["1996 committee chairmen"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56482244/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. January 6, 1996. p. 19. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801122241/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56482244/clarion-ledger/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["2000 committee chairmen"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544414/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. January 13, 2000. p. 5. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802081740/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544414/clarion-ledger/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["2004 committee chairmen"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544582/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. January 18, 2004. p. 10. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802083547/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544582/enterprise-journal/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Dearing appointed to Southern Energy Board"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544233/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. May 28, 1997. p. 16. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802080146/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544233/enterprise-journal/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Bob M. Dearing Committee Assignments 2008 to 2011"](https://mississippi.lawi.us/2015/02/07/bob-m-dearing/). *Mississippi Encyclopedia of Law*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200731220501/https://mississippi.lawi.us/2015/02/07/bob-m-dearing/) July 31, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 31, 2020.

1. ["2016 committee chairmen"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546664/hattiesburg-american/). *Hattiesburg American*. January 26, 2016. p. A4. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802114410/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546664/hattiesburg-american/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["League of Women Voters ratings"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56458830/the-greenwood-commonwealth/). *The Greenwood Commonwealth*. August 21, 1980. p. 4. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200731232747/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56458830/the-greenwood-commonwealth/) July 31, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 31, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Senate urges to keep TV show"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56467457/the-clarksdale-press-register/). *The Clarksdale Press Register*. February 4, 1984. p. 2. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801015803/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56467457/the-clarksdale-press-register/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Legislature asks CBS to keep series"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56467720/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. February 7, 1984. p. 11. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801020225/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56467720/enterprise-journal/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Motor voter law passed by Senate"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544159/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. January 17, 1997. p. 4. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802075618/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544159/enterprise-journal/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Cruelty to cats, custody focus of bills"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544644/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. February 2, 2006. p. A001. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802084427/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544644/enterprise-journal/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Cat cruelty passed"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544681/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. February 12, 2006. p. A002. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802084537/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544681/enterprise-journal/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Animals: Alleged acts not felonies"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546039/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. January 8, 2010. p. 11. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802110359/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546039/clarion-ledger/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Bill would ban Homochitto deer dogs"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546086/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. February 7, 2010. p. A015. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802111005/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546086/enterprise-journal/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Homochitto deer dog ban fails"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546114/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. March 4, 2010. p. A001. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802110820/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546114/enterprise-journal/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Natchez senator drafts river gambling bill"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478436/the-clarksdale-press-register/). *The Clarksdale Press Register*. December 19, 1989. p. 9. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801071127/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478436/the-clarksdale-press-register/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Senate approves bill that would legalize gambling on riverboats"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478441/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. February 3, 1990. p. 1. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801071039/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478441/clarion-ledger/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Riverboat gambling clears panel"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478623/the-clarksdale-press-register/). *The Clarksdale Press Register*. February 23, 1990. p. 2. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801072410/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478623/the-clarksdale-press-register/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Riverboat gambling still afloat after house fight; new roll of the dice possible"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478672/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. March 8, 1990. p. 15. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801073025/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478672/clarion-ledger/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Second Senate Vote"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478696/hattiesburg-american/). *Hattiesburg American*. March 15, 1990. p. 12. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801073029/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478696/hattiesburg-american/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Riverboat gambling bill signed by Mabus"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478733/the-clarksdale-press-register/). *The Clarksdale Press Register*. March 21, 1990. p. 1. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801073318/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478733/the-clarksdale-press-register/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Riverboat gambling, legal today, churns up questions"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478580/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. April 1, 1990. p. 1. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801071956/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478580/clarion-ledger/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["33 senators back resolution to allow prayer in school"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56468093/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. March 20, 1987. p. 17. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801021045/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56468093/clarion-ledger/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Senate sends school prayer bill to Fordice"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481410/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. March 31, 1994. p. 1. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801114113/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481410/enterprise-journal/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Senate votes sales tax hike for education"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478517/clarion-ledger/). *Clarion-Ledger*. March 2, 1990. p. 1. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801071710/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56478517/clarion-ledger/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Senate OKs anti-tax proposal"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481592/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. March 7, 1995. p. 3. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801115155/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481592/enterprise-journal/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Proposed Amendment No. 1"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481670/the-clarke-county-tribune/). *The Clarke County Tribune*. November 1, 1995. p. 7. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801115343/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481670/the-clarke-county-tribune/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["State voters say no to mandated term limits"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481658/hattiesburg-american/). *Hattiesburg American*. November 8, 1995. p. 11. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200801115413/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56481658/hattiesburg-american/) August 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Cigarette tax and grocery sales tax"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544610/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. January 8, 2006. p. A001. [Archived](https://archive.today/20200802084129/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544610/enterprise-journal/) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 2, 2020. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Senate fails to override tax veto"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56544701/enterprise-journal/). *Enterprise-Journal*. March 30, 2006. p. A001. [Archived](https://archive.today/TitwXk) August 2, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

## External links

- [Mississippi State Senate - Bob M. Dearing](http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/members/senate/dearing.xml), official government website'
- [Project Vote Smart - Senator Robert M. 'Bob' Dearing](http://votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=3628) profile
- *Follow the Money* - Bob Dearing: [2007](http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=94583) [2005](http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=77928) [2003](http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=17623) [1999](http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=38104) campaign contributions

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Bob Dearing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dearing) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dearing?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.