2011 AG News

Andy Taggart and Paul Gallo have both mentioned Public Safety Commissioner and former Circuit Judge Steve Simpson as a possible Republican candidate for Attorney General in 2011.

Gallo said that he has spoken with Simpson who said he is strongly considering a run, and will make a decision by the end of the year.

I imagine the future plans of Jim Hood will have a lot to do with any decisions. Hood would be difficult to beat as an incumbent (unless the memories of Dickie Scruggs and other trial lawyer scandals remain with voters). Of course if Hood decided to run for governor, the AG race will be wide open- and I know the Republicans would love to finally capture this seat.

Simpson has been in the news recently in relation to Haley Barbour’s partial-veto of state troopers overtime pay that Jim Hood threatened legal action against. Simpson proceeded to ask the state Personnel Board to recalculate the troopers pay.

Here is what Simpson said:

Gov. Barbour asked me to find a way to pay the troopers the compensation they deserve without giving up the agency’s discretion to manage its budget. Using the appropriated funds in this manner is consistent with the governor’s veto message and preserves my ability as DPS commissioner.