House gives Mississippi Attorney General cold shoulder

House gives Mississippi Attorney General cold shoulder

State Atty. Gen. Jim Hood called out House Judiciary Committee leaders Tuesday after he showed up for a hearing, but didn’t get to speak, on legislation allowing all statewide elected officials and department heads to use outside lawyers without his approval.

Hood, the state’s highest elected Democratic official, said the legislation would violate the state Constitution, which he said gives the attorney general sole authority to appoint outside lawyers.

Freshman state Rep. Trey Lamar, R-Senatobia and one of the bill’s three sponsors, did not return phone calls for comment on Hood’s comments.

Commercial Appeal
2/8/12