Billy McCoy has competition, and does he ever need it...

Go, Jeff! And if somehow Mr. Smith could win what an incredible change of direction legislative politics in this state could take. More, here.

Rep. Jeff Smith has announced his intention to seek the post of Speaker of the House of Representatives for the upcoming term beginning in 2008, according to a news release received by The Daily Star.

"For some time several of my fellow members in the House of Representatives have expressed concern with the current leadership in the House of Representatives," said Smith.

"A majority of members have asked me to run for the position of Speaker of the House and have expressed their desire to vote for me for that position. I, and many other House members, feel that the current House leadership does not represent the priorities for government that a majority of Mississippians desire," he said.