Barbour's blind trust the right thing to do

By Staff
Jan. 18, 2004
Gov. Haley Barbour has placed his family's financial future in the hands of a trusted friend by putting his assets into a blind trust. Mississippi's new governor, a millionaire who earned much of his money as a Washington lobbyist, created the blind trust modeled after federal standards to avoid any conflict of interest as he serves in the state's highest elected office.
It's not only a good political move, but also the kind of thing we expect from a man of integrity. Barbour clearly does not want any scandalous personal financial dealings to mar his governorship. Under terms of the blind trust announced on his first day in office, Barbour and the trustee a Yazoo City banker and longtime friend are prohibited from even discussing his assets, which include a D.C. restaurant at which he, presumably, can still eat when business takes him to the nation's capital.
The Washington lobbying firm that bears his name Barbour, Griffith and Rogers will continue to operate as part of a large, publicly-held conglomerate. Barbour made clear he will have nothing to do with the firm, from which he resigned when he was sworn in as governor.
In taking these actions immediately after taking office, and in communicating them clearly to the public, Barbour has again proven the mature nature of his judgment. He may also have set a new, higher standard for governors who will serve after his tenure has ended.