GOP controls MS Senate for 1st time since Reconstruction

from Jackson, MS Clarion Ledger:

The Republican Party now controls the state Senate in Mississippi for the first time since Reconstruction - and the ramifications of that will be felt throughout the 2007 statewide elections.

Back in 2002, state GOP chairman Jim Herring said: “The Republican Party is in a position to make solid gains in the Legislature despite some of these gerrymandered state legislative districts that were adopted earlier this year. I think we’ll do well because our ideas are better.”

Herring saw the GOP make steady gains, but Senate parity was not achieved until this week, when state Sen. James “Shannon” Walley, who ran as a Democrat in 2003, said Thursday that he has qualified for re-election as a Republican.

Uhhmm, does this give you any ideas, Joe Lieberman? You are hated by the democrats, and had to run as an independent in order to hold your Senate seat. Come on home, it's a big tent.