Democratic Rep. Jamie Franks, amidst a campaign to become thestate’s next lieutenant governor, continued his attack on hisRepublican opponent Thursday at a political party rally at theLincoln County Multi-Purpose Building.

“My opponent seems to indicate that he wants to be Gov. HaleyBarbour’s greatest ally, but what we need is balance. We need alieutenant governor who is independent of the governor,” Frankssaid at The DAILY LEADER office before speaking at the rally. “Weneed someone who has the interests of the state at their heart andnot the interests of a single person, single party or specialinterest group.”

The 12-year legislator representing Itawamba, Lee and Tishomingocounties said Barbour claims that Mississippi has spent more moneyon education than any administration of the past, but that does notinclude the complete picture.

What Barbour does not say, Franks said, is that classroomsactually received $300 million less than last year because ofincreases in salaries and insurance premiums.

The Mooreville native also said the state needs to spend more oncommunity colleges and universities to keep tuition low and providea ready workforce for prospective industries to prevent the loss ofthe state’s youth.

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