Legislature ’08: Watch the process

The Clarion-Ledger, 1/6/8

The curtain will rise on the 2008 regular session of the Mississippi Legislature on Tuesday.

Gov. Haley Barbour returns for a second term – only the second Mississippi governor since Reconstruction to succeed himself. But in leading state government, Barbour will in great measure head a rejuvenated cast of characters.

The 2008 session will mark a renewal of state government with 33 freshman lawmakers and several new statewide officials.

Phil Bryant will assume the leadership of the state Senate as lieutenant governor. In the House, the first major vote will be for lawmakers to decide a contentious race for House speaker between incumbent Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, and challenger Rep. Jeff Smith, D-Columbus.