MSU's Poltical Pull and Positioning

[Johnson85]

Now I'd be remiss if I didn't mention OM's power in the state legislature where I believe they are still the power. The gap is closed but they still have the edge. Also, they have the edge in power alumni in the state. Big-time litigation will do that for you but I don't think we'll see that windfall ever again.

I'm not sure there is a gap anymore in the legislature. You have Phil Bryant who is a USM guy (I recognize he's not in the legislature, but it still matters for what moves through the legislature).

If you look at the Senate, you have:

Tate - who is a Milsaps guy.
Eugene Clark leading appropriations, an MSU guy
Briggs Hobson vice chair of appropriations, a UM guy
Gray Tollision chair of education, a UM guy
Chris Caughman vice chair of education, a Belhaven graduate (no clue if he cheers for another team)
Joey Fillingane chair of finance, a USM and MC law guy
Dean Kirby vice chair of finance, a Mississippi college guy (no clue if he cheers for another team)
Willie Simmons, chair of highways is an alcorn st and Delta state guy
Dennis DeBar, Jr., Vice-Chairman of highways and transportation is an MC Law and University of Central Florida guy.



In the House:
Gunn is Baylor undergrad and Ole Miss law school guy.
John Read chairs appropriations and is a NE Louisiana guy; no clue if he cheers for anybody in state
Mac Huddleston is vice chair of appropraitions and is a MSU grad
Charles Busby is chair of transportation and is a South Alabama grad
Steve Massengill is vice-chair of transportation and no clue if he cheers for a college team.
Nolan Mettetal is chair of universities and colleges and is a UM guy
Gregory Holloway is vice chair of universities and is a JSU guy

State may be underrepresented, but the representation is spread enough and key committee positions spread enough that I don't think UM could push anything MSU didn't sign off on and vice versa.

[Leeshouldveflanked]

Massegill is %100 MSU...Donnie Bell chairman or workforce development is %100 MSU