Can Barbour’s momentum help other GOP statewide candidates win?

The Picauyne Item, 8/11/7

Judging from the results of the primary election, Gov. Haley Barbour’s popularity heading into November is high and downticket Republicans may be tempted to grab onto his coattails for the ride.

However, some political observers say that might not be advantageous to them or Barbour.

While there have been bumps in the first term, including his opposition to raising the tobacco tax and cutting the grocery tax, there appears little doubt that many voters are satisfied with Barbour’s work in office. Whether he has the capacity to reach down and alter other races remains to be seen, said John Bruce, a political scientist at the University of Mississippi.