Ellington

"Mississippi law—not that I would say I agree with it—says when an election is tied, the winner is determined by lot, fairly and publicly drawn with the direction of the governor and the secretary of state."

— Republican Gov. Phil Bryant on a legal requirement to break ties for legislative ties by drawing lots.

Why it stinks: On Nov. 20, Rep. Bo Eaton, D-Taylorsville, held on to his House seat by doing no more than picking a straw out of bag. As antiquated as the method is, it's actually state law and, therefore, Bryant was obliged to follow it. But—to borrow a phrase from the Church Lady—isn't it interesting that Bryant chose to follow this law even though he disagrees with it, while he and other GOP leaders wantonly flout other state laws they don't like?

If only Bryant and the Legislature followed the same principle when it comes to funding schools or protecting abortions rights in the state.