Mississippi is one of the poorest, fattest states in the nation. As a punch line, it's the gift that keeps on giving for politicians in other places. The latest candidate using Mississippi as an example of what-we-don't-want-our-state-to-be is Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Matt Entenza. One of three Democrats in a Aug. 10 primary, Entenza started running a TV ad in his home state Thursday with images of Minnesota construction workers, schoolchildren, fire trucks and police cars fading away.
"If budget cuts were always the answer, then Mississippi would be a leader in this country," Entenza says in the ad.
It's a line Entenza also weaves into speeches as he runs for a seat that Republican Tim Pawlenty will leave early next year.
Dan Turner, spokesman for Mississippi's Republican governor, Haley Barbour, told The Associated Press today: "Before someone makes a disparaging remark about Mississippi, they probably ought to come spend some time here."
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/jun/04/mississippi-easy-punchline-minnesota-politician/news-politics/