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Act Proposes Stimulus for Gulf Coast

Supporters of a large-scale civic works program for the Gulf Coast are calling U.S. Representatives today, asking them to include H.R. 4048, the Gulf Coast Civic Works Act, in an upcoming economic stimulus package. Mississippi Reps. Bennie Thompson and Gene Taylor are co-sponsors of the bill, which would employ 100,000 people in rebuilding Gulf Coast schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

Mississippi GOP Sues for Fair Elections

The Mississippi Republican Party filed suit against the Leflore County Election Commission and Southeast Greenwood poll manager Gail Griggs today for "failure to perform their statutory duties in the November 4 election."

Langston Suit Moves Ahead Through Political Thicket

Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Winston Kidd has lifted a motion to stay a politically tinged state lawsuit against disbarred attorneys Joey Langston and Timothy Balducci and the Langston Law Firm after U.S. District Court Judge William Pauley sent the case back to Hinds County. "I had issued a stay maybe a month ago to allow the federal court to decide the issue, and the federal court decided that it should be in state court. The parties agreed that the stay should be lifted. They have been lifted and the matter will now proceed forward," Kidd told the Jackson Free Press today, adding that he was not yet sure when the next hearing for motion of summary judgment would commence.

Gov. Barbour 'Pleased' With President-Elect

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour reported today that President-Elect Barack Obama's Tuesday meeting with state governors on addressing the recession was "cordial."

Talking Heads Reflect on Election

U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson flexed his muscles over the U.S. Senate race, according to politicos, possibly influencing Democratic candidate Ronnie Musgrove's loss to interim Republican Sen. Roger Wicker. Clarion-Ledger columnist Sid Salter said Thompson's apparent lack of support might have injured Musgrove.

Ronnie Musgrove for Secretary of Ed?

His name is popping up on at least one list, per Wall Street Journal. (h/t Folo)

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A Gift To Dems

No doubt, Democrats exit 2008 with a clear victory in federal government. Democratic President-elect Barack Obama claimed the White House with a 53-percent victory.

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Official: Obama Asks Secretary Gates to Stay On

The Washington Post is reporting:

Miss. Dems Host "Sky Party" to Inauguration

Does the Mississippi Democratic Party know how to have (slightly ridiculous) fun? All signs point to yes:

Obama's AG and the Drug War

The folks at Reason Magazine have pointed out that Obama's pick for Attorney General has held much harsher views on drug sentencing than the president-elect.

What ‘08 Election Meant for Immigration Reform

[verbatim]In 2008 America's Voice (AV), a new communications campaign organization, was launched to harness the power of America's voices and American values to win common sense immigration reform. Working with pollsters Pete Brodnitz, Celinda Lake, David Mermin, and Sergio Bendixen as well as NDN, Hildebrand Tewes, and other leading experts, AV tracked the politics of immigration in the 2008 elections. Following are our top findings. For more, visit http://www.immigration08.com.

Obama Lead Swells Since Election Night

He's now winning by 7 percent rather than the 5 percent on Election night:

Obama: 67,065,042 (52.7%, 365 EVs)McCain: 58,420,587 (45.9%, 162 EVs)

Barbour Caves on Tobacco Tax

Gov. Haley Barbour this week announced that he would support a 24-cent-per-pack hike in tobacco taxes. Some say it's not enough.

Dick Cheney, Former AG Gonzales Indicted in Texas

The Associated Press in Texas is reporting:

Wicker to Oppose $25 Billion Auto Bailout

[Verbatim] WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today made the following statement regarding the $25 billion bailout package for U.S. automakers scheduled for Senate consideration this week: "I opposed the $700 billion Wall Street bailout seven weeks ago in part because I didn't think it did anything to get to the root of the problem. Now, Senate Democrats want to tap into those funds to provide $25 billion to struggling U.S. automakers while ignoring the companies' competitiveness issues that have continually plagued them. The Big Three automakers were in financial trouble before our economy slowed down. To provide a $25 billion bailout for some companies isn't fair to taxpayers or the American businesses that have made smart decisions, nor is it good government policy.

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