SALTER – GOP has come long way in a few years

GOP has come long way in a few years

STARKVILLE — Mississippi Republicans have come a mighty long way since the days that Rubel Phillips, Gil Carmichael, Jack Reed, and others laid the groundwork for the victory the GOP won in the 2011 general election.

There are other names – Wirt Yerger, Billy Mounger, the late Evelyn McPhail, and Billy Powell – whose names are attached to that victory as well.

But in holding control of the Governor’s Mansion and taking absolute control of the Mississippi Legislature in both houses for the first time since Reconstruction, there must also be a protracted nod to Gov. Haley Barbour – who brought Washington-style party discipline and organization to the party that in the days of Phillips and Yerger could hold their state conventions in a veritable phone booth.

House leader?

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Sid Salter
11/11/11