POLITICS

GULFPORT - A group of residents has paid a bill the city charged to Gov. Haley Barbour's campaign for costs incurred during last year's presidential visit.

City leaders accepted the money and proceeded to shout at each other over who bore responsibility for any embarrassment the issue caused the city, Barbour or President Bush.

Businessman Jimmy Haynes presented the City Council with $20,250 to be deposited in the city's general fund.

The campaign pledged to reimburse the city for expenses during Bush's campaign visit to stump for Barbour. The city billed the campaign $20,275.

Haynes said he represented a group of "nonpartisan, nonpolitical" citizens embarrassed by the furor that developed after the campaign did not pay the bill.

"I'm very concerned and this group of citizens is very concerned about the publicity and the press and the way it's been handled about the billing for the protection of the president of the United States," he said.

Haynes said the money should end discussion of the issue.

Councilwoman Ella Holmes-Hines applauded the donation, but said the issue was not about President Bush. She said it was about holding the Barbour campaign to its promise.

Councilman Billy Hewes signaled his desire to speak. Mayor Ken Combs rose from his chair before Council President Chuck Teston could recognize Hewes. The following exchange ensued:

Combs: "I appreciate us accepting the gift from the people and not running this thing on into the ground."

Teston: "Well, we won't run it into the ground, Mayor, but this is a City Council meeting and a councilman has the right to address this gathering."

Combs: "But the council has embarrassed the city of Gulfport."

Teston: "Mayor, I think the one embarrassing the city is you right now because you won't let him talk."

Combs: "Not me."

Teston: "Well, let the councilman talk. He's got his light on."

Combs: "All right, go ahead. If you'd like another fool to talk, go ahead."

Hewes: "(Inaudible) Now mayor, this thing wouldn't have gotten the publicity if you wouldn't have vetoed the situation...

Combs: "That's right."

Hewes: "...

and really brought it to light...

Combs: "That's right."

Hewes: "So let's just face it like it is..."

Combs: "I'm a Republican mayor elected by a Republican majority of this city and I'm doing what Republicans want. So let that be on the record."

Hewes: "Well, I'm a Republican councilman elected by Republicans."

Combs. "You're a rhino. You're a rhino."

Combs left the meeting after the discussion. Hewes pointed out the amount donated by the citizens was $25 less than what was billed to the campaign.

Councilman Kim Savant dug into his wallet and flung $25 in cash onto the floor.

"I hope to God this puts this to rest," he said.

Hours later, Hewes said he didn't know what Combs meant by "rhino."