The former U.S. Navy corpsman with a medical background feels obtaining a hospital and education funding are the most pressing issues facing the Olive Branch area.

"The community over here deserves to have another provider," said Republican Blackwell, 52, a partner at DeSoto Imaging & Diagnostics. "I know a little bit about how the game is played."

Blackwell, the subject of "Kevin's Coming" signs at intersections, said his current job and a previous stint with Parkwood Hospital gave him experience with the certificate of need process to obtain a hospital.

Last month, the Senate voted to bypass the certificate of need process and allow Olive Branch to have a long-sought hospital. House leaders rejected the Senate proposal, however, and the measure died.

Blackwell, the father of three children at DeSoto Central schools, said he also supports full funding of schools based on up-to-date enrollment figures.

"I'm going to vote for it every year, not just an election year," Blackwell said.

About 30 people attended the Civitan meeting. One attendee inquired about Blackwell's view of the proposed cigarette tax. He said he would support raising the tax to the national average but he would not tie a proposal to a reduction in the sales tax on groceries.

Cynthia Earhart said she was pleased that Blackwell's children attend public schools and that he was a small-business owner.

Blackwell will face off with Flowers in the Aug. 7 primary. The general election is Nov. 6.