Ellington

"Since taking office, I have made improving Mississippi's economy a top priority. That includes building a pro-business environment, attracting new investments and working to grow existing businesses. Our hard work is paying off."

—Gov. Phil Bryant in his year-end message about the health of Mississippi's economy

Why it stinks: Bryant has actively obstructed other potential job-creating mechanisms that he believes conflict with the conservative mantle. Yes, we're talking Medicaid expansion and the likely windfall that will result from a health-care industry boon. In Jackson and other cities, large and small, where the medical-services industry provides the bulk of jobs, being pro-business should mean doing whatever is possible to support growth of that industry—even if that means putting one's personal political beliefs aside.

It should be noted that while Mississippi's unemployment rate has fallen in tandem with overall U.S. rate, joblessness in our state remains higher than the national average under Bryant's leadership. That alone should be a reason for the governor to rethink his priorities.