The Clarion-Ledger: Phil Bryant balks at plan to put Hattiesburg in majority black Senate district

JACKSON (Tuesday, March 8, 2011) – Witness this incredibly interesting report that paints Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant for what he is – an extremely partisan elected official intent on throwing redistricting into the courts and forcing voters to elect lawmakers for two years in a row.

The Clarion-Ledger reports on Bryant’s motives today. And this is something you have to read to believe. For example, Bryant is balking at a plan to create a black-majority state Senate district in black-majority Hattiesburg.

Why? Because he prefers his own redistricting map that would keep three GOP-friendly districts by splitting Hattiesburg.


Hmmm. Consider this excerpt:

Bryant was on at least two radio shows Monday touting his redistricting alternative. In addition to retaining Republican seats in Hattiesburg, his plan also would create a 67 percent majority-black district in southern Hinds County that is presently represented by Sen. David Blount, a Democrat.

It's unclear whether Bryant will be able to rally enough Senate Republicans behind his plan.

But it appears frustration is mounting inside the Capitol as lawmakers attempt to quickly get House and Senate maps to the U.S. Justice Department for approval while also handling general legislation in a difficult budget year.

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