What Mississippi’s Democrat A.G. continues to miss on all of this is the point. Mr. Scruggs played politics throughout this entire process – he gave money to political organizations so he could further his own business interests – so the “ruinous” decline began long before Mr. Scruggs got caught trying to bribe a judge.

Attorney General Jim Hood questioned the head of the state Republican Party’s motives in calling Monday for an independent counsel to investigate the relationship between him and trial lawyer Dickie Scruggs and his associates.Hood said in a statement, “The federal government is handling these cases. The district attorneys of the state of Mississippi are, in essence, independent prosecutors, and my office has made available to them every resource we possess should they decide to pursue state charges.” But given the Republican Party’s sudden pronouncement in this matter, the question must be asked: Has this entire sad and disappointing chapter in Mississippi history dissolved into ruinous partisan politics? For the sake of our citizens, I hope not.”

Read the Rest…