First on the CNN Ticker: Barbour to head RGA
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/06/23/art.barbour.gi.jpg caption="Barbour will head the RGA."]WASHINGTON (CNN) - Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has assumed the chairmanship of the Republican Governors Association, CNN has learned.
Barbour immediately takes over as head of the national Republican campaign organization following South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford’s announcement he was leaving the post. Sanford acknowledged Wednesday that he had an extramarital affair with a woman in Argentina.
“The news revealed today hurts all of us who have gotten to know Governor Sanford over the years and so it is with regret that the RGA accepted Governor Sanford’s resignation as chairman,” Barbour said in a statement obtained by CNN that will be distributed Wednesday afternoon. “While this news is deeply disappointing, I also know it’s important to remain focused on the future and Governor Sanford’s resignation allows him and us to do just that.
Barbour added: “The RGA has an important task over the next two years. I am committed to seeing it through and confident we will succeed.”
Nick Ayers, the RGA’s executive director, expressed disappointment about Sanford’s revelation.
“While I am personally disappointed in today’s revelation, I also know that it’s important for both Governor Sanford and the RGA to move forward as quickly as possible,” Ayers said in the forthcoming statement. “Therefore we accepted his resignation this afternoon.
“However, the RGA is fortunate that Governor Haley Barbour was in line to become RGA Chairman, a position he assumed today. As a former RNC chairman and one of the best governors in the country, no one is better positioned to takeover as RGA chairman than Governor Barbour.”
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IndyVoter June 24th, 2009 4:33 pm ET
My Fellow Democrats:
PLEASE don't start attacking Gov. Sanders during this time. Kicking someone while they are down is neither noble nor brave. Even though some Republicans have proven that they are not, WE are better than that….Also, don't start knocking the concept of family values. Its not just a Republican issue. This country needs strong families and we ALL need to encourage faithfulness and honesty in our marriages, jobs, political and economic dealings, etc.
I'm just saying.
– An Ardent Obama Supporter
--------------------------–
IndyVoter, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!!!!!!!!
Dixiecans. They're everywhere. Barbour is yet another southern good old boy buffoon replacing Mr. Family Values.
Is it just me or is the GOP completely run by Southerners....hmmm.
Oh great. An uneducated (no college degree) lobbyist governor whose firm made millions in D.C. lobbying on behalf of the tobacco industry. More of the same – the GOP thinks this is a good idea?
"Jed June 24th, 2009 4:49 pm ET
I am from Mississippi and Governor Barbour has done so much for this state. Remind you he handled Hurricane Katrina better than anyone. He has helped bring business and jobs to the state. He has brought better publicity to the state than ever before. And, don't forget, he played a significant role in bringing the Presidential debate to the University of Mississippi"
@ jed,
Barbour needs to account for 30 million dollars. We are waiting.
Ann,
Haley was a great leader during and after Katrina.
The coastal areas that were actual hit by Katrina (and not just a levy break as in New Orleans) are light years ahead in rebuilding.
Nissan has a manufacturing plant in MS and Toyota is building one where the prius hybrid is to be produced.
Desoto county in north MS is one of the fastest growing counties in the country.
MS has great wildlife refuges, hunting and fishing (I know Haley didn't make these, but policies in MS have helped preserve them).
Philadelphia, MS, the sight of the horrible racial killing presented in the movie Mississippi Burning, just elected their first black mayor.
I know that MS is last (or first) on a lot of lists, like obesity, education, poverty etc but we are dragged down mainly by the MS delta which is purely agricultural so there are not many jobs. Its hard to keep up your education and poverty stats when 18 year olds have 3 kids and no father but I don't blame Haley for that. I blame the kids parent(s).
If you think being an agricultural economy is bad, give up your clothes (cotton), tofu (soybeans), ethonol (corn) and other food products for a while and get back to me. I'm sure you can make due with your blackberry and Ipod and people magazine.
Point is, a lot of people like Haley as well as Mississippi. We get a lot a grief but I love it here and wouldn't trade my life for anything.
What is the difference? on hypocrite from another?
I follow Barbour to the end of the earth before I'd follow our muslim in chief.