Jackson Free Press

The Legislature is in session, and the House will vote on a new speaker shortly. Keep an eye out here for the outcome of the contentious battle, with Gov. Haley Barbour watching from the sidelines to see if his efforts to oust McCoy will pay off. Watch for a full report from Adam Lynch right here later today. Meantime, read his Jan. 2 legislative analysis and preview here.

Previous Comments

ID

98053

Comment

I haven't gotten Adam's report yet, but here is a serious of e-mail updates going around From the House -- Watson nominates Ed Blackmon. Moak second. Bailey second. Bondurant nominates Robert Johnson. Bobby Shows second. Mary Coleman moves to close nominations. Unanimous close. Votes taken. Chuck Espy, Russ Nowell, Linda Coleman voted for Johnson (Jeff Smith). Tied vote. Revote. Jeff Smith is in Bennett Malone's face right now. They are revoting. ... In the revote Bennett Malone held for Blackmon. Tie vote after second revote. Secretary Clark is presiding. They are revoting for the third time. Ed Blackmon was elected by 62 to 60. Linda Coleman voted for Blackmon third revote. Malone held fast. Twice.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2008-01-08T14:01:09-06:00

ID

98054

Comment

Looks like House voted 62-60 for McCoy to keep his seat. More details, and explanation, of all this maneuvering soon.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2008-01-08T14:02:31-06:00

ID

98055

Comment

Well, that's a needed vote for balance of power. Imagine how close Haley Barbour and the national Republican machine just came to controlling every branch of government in Mississippi.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2008-01-08T14:05:25-06:00

ID

98056

Comment

Final e-mail update on McCoy: Reecy Dickson nominates McCoy. Bo Eaton seconds. Flaggs seconds. Bondurant nominates Smith. Woods seconds with no remarks. Scott Bounds seconds. Vote taken. Russ Nowell votes for Smith. L Coleman sticks with McCoy. Espy for Smith. McCoy won 62-60. The chamber erupted into shouts and applause!

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2008-01-08T14:10:38-06:00

ID

98057

Comment

Gotta love those Espy men!

Author

jd

Date

2008-01-08T14:42:13-06:00

ID

98058

Comment

I am surprised that the Free Press would support Billy McCoy. I was under the impression you were in favor of true Sunshine in government. McCoy has done more to keep what goes on in the house a secret than any other speaker in a while.

Author

Nick22

Date

2008-01-08T14:54:45-06:00

ID

98059

Comment

Nick22, we support McCoy in his battle with Barbour—not exactly Ye Ole Sunshine Boy himself. It's simple. Mississippi cannot be controlled by one man, and he already controls the Senate and much of the judiciary.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2008-01-08T15:28:45-06:00

ID

98060

Comment

You are correct a balance of opinions is always healthy. I am just not 100% convinced Jeff Smith is controlled by Halley Barbour. I would like see more bills voted on by the entire body of the house which you must admit Bill McCoy does not have a great record of allowing. I know “they all do it” but I think they should be held accountable for it by losing their position when they do it.

Author

Nick22

Date

2008-01-08T16:06:05-06:00