Bennie Thompson, Chairman of Vacation Security

Kingfish responding over at Jackson Jambalaya:

The New York Post reported six congressmen recently enjoyed a trip to the Caribbean paid for by Citigroup and other corporations. Bennie Thompson, Democrat-Bolton, was one of high-flying politicians who couldn't resist the chance to enjoy some sun and sand in St. Marteen:

"High-ranking members of Congress were flown to a lush Caribbean resort ["Shady Island House Party," New York Post] this month for a three-day conference planned and paid for by several of the country's most powerful corporations - a violation of federal ethics rules, critics say. ...
Officials with those companies were observed at the conference - sometimes acting as featured speakers at daily seminars and freely mingling among the pols at social events. Citigroup - which just last week received a massive bailout from the federal government - was one of the conference's biggest sponsors, ponying up $100,000 to help finance the event, according to one of the lobbyists at the gathering.....

Everyone got it? Ole Bennie goes on a trip paid for by the people who caused this mess and just took a few HUNDRED BILLION dollars from us last week while they tried to use a bogus charity for cover.

Bennie Thompson seems to be enjoying his position as Chairman of Vacation Security. He also has enjoyed trips to Havana, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Orlando, Puerto Rico, Antiqua, Fort Lauderdale, Panama City...really all over the world but these are Spring Break type ones that the Democratic Pledge Chairman Bennie Thompson really enjoys.

Don't forget that Bennie Thompson also flew Air Abramoff on a fact finding mission to the Northern Mariana Islands.

These free trips are just a day in the life of a man who represents one of the poorest districts in the country. Wasn't there some talk about "change" earlier this year?

Oh, pardon me.

This is a classic image (hat tip to barneyfife by way of Y'all) of Joe Biden Agnew and Joey Cash Langston.

Two New from NRSC

Devastate



Ronnie Musgrove Day

Kitchens: Pain and Suffering Caps "Unfair"

Let there be no doubt, Jim Kitchens is a trial lawyer. He served on the American Trial Lawyers Association Board of Governors for 17 years. He served on their Executive Committee. Trial lawyers all over the county know he will be on their side if he gets on the Supreme Court.

Jim Kitchens believes the medical malpractice reform the legislature passed in Mississippi is unfair. How do we know? He said so.

Jim Kitchens, a trial lawyer in Jackson, warned the committee that tampering with contingency fees charged by lawyers would ultimately hurt poor clients who couldn't afford to hire attorneys on an hourly basis. And, he said, capping how much a victim could collect for pain and suffering was unfair. - Commercial Appeal (June 21, 2002)

Tupelo Daily Journal Endorses Wicker

Today the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal endorsed Cochran, Wicker, Childers.

Wicker for Senate – Wicker, like Cochran, has proven that he understands the importance of securing federal discretionary spending producing jobs and prosperity that otherwise would go elsewhere. Some call it pork; we call it investment. He was an effective 1st District congressman who has stayed in close touch with his constituents and deserves a chance to prove he can carry that effectiveness into the Senate over the better part of a full term. Given the likely strengthened Democratic majority in the Senate, that may require a less party-oriented approach on Wicker’s part.

We have considerable respect for the accomplishments of Musgrove, especially as an education-oriented governor and lieutenant governor. But Wicker gets the nod on experience at both the federal and state levels and a proven ability to deliver in areas critical to the economic success of our region and state.

Pay to Proclaim

Conservative Belle has posted a number of campaign contributors to Ronnie Musgrove, who Musgrove then honored with a proclamation. Hey Ronnie, a receipt works just fine. You don't need to put the state seal on it! Conservative Belle: Sure, Ronnie Musgrove. We Believe You.

Barton's Balance: More Lawsuits

Can a candidate sue himself for political malpractice? I'm sure Gene Barton will look into that after the election. An article in today's Clarion Ledger describes Barton's balance:

There's no question there were too many frivolous lawsuits in Mississippi at one point, he said. The doctor his wife worked for as a nurse was sued 15 times, he said. "But now the pendulum has swung to the other extreme," Barton said. "I'm running to bring back balance."

Let's get this straight. Barton wants to take Mississippi back to when there were too many frivolous lawsuits? That's his idea of balance? No thanks.