With gubernatorial inauguruation events half over today, lawmakers turned their attention to the 2008 legislative session amid a partisanship that has increased since Gov. Haley Barbour took office in 2004.
Where legislators once voted according to regional and racial lines, many now make decisions based on whether they are Republican or Democrat. Partisanship has been criticized by some as contributing to stalled legislation.
Sen. Bennie Turner, D-West Point, did not fault Barbour for the increased partisanship. But, he said, “I would expect this to continue under his leadership.”
“It’s regrettable for state government, because not a lot gets done with that sort of attitude,” Turner said. “We’ll just have to reconcile ourselves to deal with it. I don’t think it?s going away soon.”
Magnolia Tribune
