NATCHEZ &045; After handily winning re-election for circuit clerk &045; and manning his office throughout election night &045; perhaps M.L. &uot;Binkey&uot; Vines earned some fried chicken and a pat on the back.

And that’s just how he celebrated at the Natchez Community Center after gaining 7,748 votes, or 84 percent, versus 1,456 votes (16 percent) for challenger JoAnn Brumfield, to win reelection to his second term.

&uot;I’m thankful to the good Lord &045; I could not have done it without his help,&uot; Vines said. &uot;He gets all the glory.&uot;

Vines also thanked his family, several of whom have endured health problems during his campaign, and workers who spent hours brandished signs near local polling places all day Tuesday.

Vines acknowledged this year’s race was a harder one compared to four years ago but, after results were totaled Tuesday, also said &uot;we’re very pleased with the numbers.&uot;

Later Brumfield appeared in person at Vines’ after party to concede and to shake Vines’ hand.

&uot;I think we did very well. We learned a lot,&uot; Brumfield said. &uot;It was an eye opener for me.&uot;

At the same time, however, Brumfield gave Vines a warning of sorts.

&uot;We’ll come back in four years &045; so look out,&uot; she said.

With that said, Vines was off to start his dinner, share a joke or two with family, friends and employees, and express his thanks to the voters who supported him.

&uot;I appreciate the people for their votes and support and will continue to serve them in this office,&uot; Vines said.