Bill Crawford – Miss. Politics getting ready to rumble
Are you ready? Major Republican office holders at each others’ throats, Tea Party gore, and intimidating issues are gonna rumble Mississippi politics like never before. That’s my political weather forecast for the next 14 months as the Haley Barbour era ebbs and 2011 statewide primaries loom.
Right now, the Gulf oil spill is the big issue. Like Governor Barbour, we pray coastal impact will “manageable.” But, fishing, seafood industries and Gulf habitat will suffer. Worst case for us, the spill comes ashore? No, worst case is a hurricane hits the Gulf, destroys containment, and washes oil inland.
Expect the oil spill to remain a major campaign issue, at least in south Mississippi.
Unemployment and budget woes will be the major issues if the spill threat fizzles. Throw in a brutal 2011 legislative session if trends hold. Already, interest groups – business, hospitals, teachers and schools, universities and colleges, mayors and supervisors – are approaching candidates seeking “assurances” for priority treatment in future budgets…”promises” can be illegal.
Bill Crawford is a former legislator from Meridian.
Hattiesburg American
5/18/10
Magnolia Tribune
