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Sen. Hagel: GOP Has Lost Its Way

AP is reporting that Chuck Hagel is sounding the death knell on the Republican Party as its "evolved." Good. He's a good Republican, and should be ashamed of what his party has turned into. And, hopefully, he'll be able to lead it a new direction. I've always admired his unwillingness to be caught up in the party's corruption and demagoguery. We need more Repubs like Hagel—and will likely get them, now that this version is likely to get its a$$ handed to it by the American people.

What to Do for the Holidays, and Movie Listings

Be sure to check out JFP listings editor Roy Adkins' new searchable events calendar, complete with movie listings (!), gallery listings, photo galleries and other goodies. (And, yes, JFP publisher Todd Stauffer had something to do with it.)

Please help this family in need

Photographer Christina Cannon send this email around today; please do what you can. Her verbatim email follows:

Smith Supporters Vandalize JFP Racks

OK, Robert Smith told me repeatedly that he is not "Melton's candidate," but some overnight actions are not exactly helping convince me. This morning, we found an "Elect Robert Shuler Smith" flyer duct-taped to our JFP rack in front of Cups with red duct tape. This little action is suspiciously similar to flyers duct-taped to our racks and boxes the day after the Melton acquittal for the Ridgeway duplex massacre. That one read "The Bottom Line: NOT GUILTY!" and was taped on with purple duct tape. When the tape was removed, it ripped off lettering from our property.

Clarion-Ledger: Wilcher Must Die

In an editorial today, The Clarion-Ledger explains its support of the death penalty and why it is good that the state is going to kill Bobby Glen Wilcher today:

Clarion-Ledger Looking for Techy Tots

Yes, folks, this seems to be a *real* request floating on Facebook for an upcoming, ahem, feature of babies who love their 'puters. Wait for it now:

Ledger Publishes Old News on Michael Taylor

Oddly, The Clarion-Ledger today published a news story about Frank Melton's young friend, Michael Taylor, pointing out that new D.A. Robert Smith will have a conflict prosecuting him. This is really old news, folks. We've been telling everyone since before the election that Smith was going to have a conflict prosecuting Taylor, whom he had represented, and others. Also, it's not news that he is in the Hinds County Detention Center. I saw this story because this blog posting by Chris Joyner popped up in a Google news search on Melton: Where in the world is Michael Taylor?. My first thought was "in jail, of course; didn't they know that!?!" It's also intriguing that Chris doesn't mention that he is hawking the story by his own wife, Kathleen Baydala, which is fine but bears a mention.

The Nation Blogs on the ‘Hell-Raising' JFP

This is how he starts out:

Folks, Bob Moser at The Nation is blogging about our Obama commentary last night, quoting from us liberally (which he asked permission to do because he is a class act). Check it out. (I bet it's the first time that Pike-the-Republican has been quoted by The Nation!). I like the "hell-raising" part, I must say.

Evangelist Prez Steps Down Because ... Gay?

Oh. My. Word. When I was editor of the Colorado Springs Independent, this right-wing preacher was one of the most outspoken in the city's Religious Industrial Complex (with Focus on the Family at the center) against homosexuality—and preached right-wing politics from the pulpit. Now, this gay prostitute says Haggard has been paying himf or sex. What other October surprise is in store for the "family values" posers!?! Associated Press is reporting:

Win a HUGE Trophy! Take the Chick Ball Challenge Through July 6. Here's How ...

CALLING ALL GROUPS TO TAKE PART IN THE CHICK BALL CHALLENGE TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

JACKSON, MISS. – Jackson-area schools, colleges, churches, civic organizations, businesses and neighborhoods are called to unite in a friendly rivalry to put an end to domestic violence in Mississippi as part of the Chick Ball Challenge.

Is Barbour Fibbing in his TV Ads?

John Arthur Eaves, and Cotton Mouth, seem to think so. Check out their analysis.

Miss. Prayer Warriors Protesting Barbour Lobbying Ties

Haley Barbour still getting paid by lobbying firm.

The Mississippi Prayer Warriors sent around this e-mail today questioning Barbour's lobbying ties. Pasted verbatim:

It's Best of Jackson month!

OK all, the votes are in, and the ballots are (almost) counted. There are perennial winners, and there are big surprises, in our annual readers' poll on the best businesses, people, arts and culture in and near the city. The big issue will be out on Jan. 22 (on streets Jan. 21) with all the winners, and the huge Best-of bash will be Sunday, Jan. 25. Per usual, the first half will be invitation-only, and the party will open to the public at 8 p.m. No cover, of course. Where will it be? Well, that's a closely guarded secret that we release when the invitations go out, which will be soon. So start planning your outfit—you know, something Monopolistic, or not—and lining up your date.

Harrison Asking the Right Barbour Questions

Up in Tupelo, Daily Journal reporter Bobby Harrison is asking the right questions, as opposed to the ridiculous posturing coming out of The Clarion-Ledger's Sid Salter. He writes today about BlindTrust-Gate:

‘Public Relations Coup' for Melton!?!

"The mayor's selection also is a public relations coup for him..."

Clarion-Ledger reporters Arnold Lindsay, Heather Civil and Kathleen Baydala today characterized the appointment yesterday of Sheriff McMillin as police chief this way:

The Perils of Hillary as Veep Choice

It comes as no surprise to me that polls are showing a mixed blessing were Barack Obama to choose Hillary Clinton as his running mate, as her supporters are pressuring him to do—in part by saying that he needs her help to win. An Associated Press story today begins:

City Council Votes to Dissolve Relationship with TCI

It's about time. Here at the JFP, we've been writing for years now about the potential minefield that is a relationship with Frank Melton's buddies at Trans Continental Realty (connected to controversial Texas businessman Gene Phillips). No time to rehash now (putting out the second of two issues right now so the staff can take some Christmas time off), but you can see the full archive of our convention-center hotel coverage here: http://www.jfp.ms/hotel. Meantime, we're thrilled to hear that the city is doing what we've long wanted them to do: dissolve that relationship. We know it hasn't been easy since Melton and friends sold TCI the land, but it finally seems to be happening. Sigh of relief. And, yes, we told ya so. (Sorry, couldn't resist. But we did. Years ago.)

Barbour Declares Budget Victory for ‘Both Republicans and Tea Party'

Gov. Haley Barbour just issued a verbatim statement about the debt deal: "The Budget Control Act is a major victory for conservatives both Republican and Tea Party. It is not perfect, but it is a big step in the right direction, which is all you can ask for when you have a Democrat Senate and a Democrat President. While there will be much left to do after this passes, this is a big step forward."

Barbour Redirecting Katrina Funds to the Wealthy?

Salon is reporting that Gov. Haley Barbour has gotten HUD waivers that have redirected 80 percent of federal block grants awarded to help Mississippi's low- and moderate-income residents recover from Katrina—and media have ignored it, a national media watchdog group is charging. From Salon:

7th Annual JFP Chick Ball July 9, 2011—Save the Date!

The JFP Chick Ball committee is busy collecting sponsors and silent-auction donations, as well as reaching out for more volunteers and committee members. (This year, we're starting a "rooster" support committee of men who want to officially help out. The 7th Annual JFP Chick Ball will be at Hal & Mal's on July 9 and will this year raise money to help fight domestic abuse in surrounding rural counties. Sponsorships start for as little as $50 (which gets you into the VIP Chick-A-BOOM reception), and we even need donations of "chick" decor so be sure to hit those after-Easter clearance sales to help fight domestic abuse. All checks should be made out to the Center for Violence Prevention, which is the direct recipient of all Chick Ball proceeds. Follow us on Twitter @jfpchickball and find us on Facebook. Please tell your friends. The JFP Chick Ball is for age 18 and up, and only costs $5 at the door. Watch for more details! And, remember, we need your help RIGHT NOW. Please join us in this important effort.