BRANDON, Miss. (AP) - Rankin County voters on Jan. 8 will choose a new state representative for the seat vacated by Republican Rep. Kevin McGee over ethics violations, choosing from a slate of 3 Republicans and an independent.

The Clarion-Ledger reports (http://on.thec-l.com/S1o8Se ) Republicans Scot Allen, Bradley Lum and Brent Powell and independent Benny L. Hubbard of Flowood are all local businessmen and say their small-business acumen qualifies them for the state Legislature.

They also all agree education - and preserving high-quality schools in the Rankin County School District - are top priorities.

The District 59 seat they seek represents the Reservoir area of Rankin County and parts of Flowood and Brandon.

Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.