The Clarion-Ledger Editorial, 12/7/8
Barack Obama drew rock star crowds in the nation’s largest cities, but some of his surrogate presidential campaign speakers like former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus drew less glamourous assignments.
After a fiery career as a crusading state auditor, Mabus served as Mississippi’s governor from 1988 to 1992. He served as President Bill Clinton’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1994 to 1996.
Mabus drew crowds of 55 and 50 in places like Danville and Waynesboro, Va. The Ackerman native campaigned in Texarkana, Ark., and in Chattanooga, Tenn. He spoke for Obama in rural Ohio towns like Troy, Fremont, Marion and Bucyrus.
“The reason I worked so hard as long as I did campaigning for President-elect Obama was because I thought he would be a really good president, not because of anything that might come my way,” said Mabus, who declined comment on media speculation that he’s being considered for significant service in Obama’s administration.
“I had a great time during the campaign and I think I did some good,” said Mabus. “I’m really having fun working on the transition. Life’s pretty good right now.”
Magnolia Tribune
