The Sun Herald Editorial, 1/3/9
Back in July I wrote a snide column (I know regular readers will find that hard to believe) wondering whether Gov. Haley Barbour had lost his political mind, freeing a convicted murderer who had been working as a trusty at the Governor’s Mansion.
Well, danged if he didn’t do it again, although this time he promptly reversed his decision and had authorities pick up the rapist and kidnapper whom he had given a 90-day pass to visit his parents in Louisiana over the holidays.
I just don’t get it.
Haley Barbour is a political mastermind. He was the moving force behind the 1990s remaking of the national Republican Party into the “Big Tent.” He became one of the world’s top lobbyists, by being about three steps ahead of most human beings and politicians, and has made large marks on history. He’s no policy slouch, either. Even those who have howled in anger at some of his moves as governor have also at times given him (albeit begrudging) praise. The fact that he has implemented policy at all in an office that is so weak by the design of the state constitution is, itself, saying something.
Magnolia Tribune
