State law requires lobbysists to register with the Secretary of State and file reports on what they spend.  USM is registered, and in 2003 had 5 lobbyists: Thames, Terrell Tisdale, Tim Hudson, James Williams and Cyde Ginn.  The 2003 report lists $29,000 in expenses.  $18,000 in salary went to Tisdale ($3,000) and Ginn ($15,000).  The remaining $11,900 is "overhead," that is, what lobbyists spent on others.

   The biggest overhead item is a Hattiesburg reception at a cost of $7800 on 9/13/03.  Was this one of those "white tent parties" we've heard about?  An estimated 225 people attended, of which 34 were public officials.  The second largest expense, with Thames listed as lobbyist on this one, is $1,670 spent in Memphis at the Liberty Bowl on 12/30/03 and 12/31/03.  Expenses include a mix of football tickets, meals and hotel rooms for state officials: Terry Burton (ticket, room, meals), Walter Michel (ticket, meal), Jack Gordon (ticket, room, meals), and Phil Bryant (meal).  Now that we're bowl-bound again, what will the taxpayers' bill be for the people Shelby entertains in New Orleans?

   The 2004 lobbyist report is due on 1/30/05.

Source: Miss. Sec. of State

IllEagle