Mississippi governor Haley Barbour is facing a backlash from Mississippi Democrats, who say the Republican governor’s frequent out-of-state travels is slowing the budget process.
Mr. Barbour, a potential 2012 Republican presidential candidate, has traveled to a number of primary states, building support for a potential candidacy. The Republican governor spent Monday in Nevada just hours after delivering a speech to California Republicans.
Mississippi Republicans defended Mr. Barbour’s traveling, saying the governor is available to speak by telephone.
Mr. Barbour has said he will announce his decision regarding the 2012 campaign following adjournment of the current legislative session, which is due to end in April.
The Republican governor sent state lawmakers a letter Monday expressing concerns about the budget. He says the House and Senate would leave only $155 million in financial reserves and he believes that figure is too low.
