The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal Editorial, 3/11/8
A little more than four months ago, Chickasaw County native Jim Hood was near the top of the political world as it relates to Mississippi.
Despite an aggressive campaign waged by a credible and well-financed opponent, Hood won re-election as attorney general in November with more votes than any statewide elected official – more than Gov. Haley Barbour, even more than Treasurer Tate Reeves, who was running against perennial, less-than-credible candidate Shawn O’Hara.
But the perception of a politician can be a lot like the weather – it can change quickly.
Now Hood, a Democrat, is caught in a web of controversy caused by the judicial bribery allegations waged against trial attorneys Dickie Scruggs of Oxford, Joey Langston of Booneville and others – all of whom have donated significant sums of money to Hood’s campaigns.
Hood, despite a lot of speculation and innuendo, has not been charged with a crime. There has been no credible evidence that he has violated any laws. If that evidence does not surface, a lot of very vocal bloggers and others probably will have to be put on suicide watch because they are all so hopeful that he will be brought down as part of the Scruggs investigation.