Mississippi is a typical American southern state.

No state epitomizes the American South better than Mississippi: First-time visitors are often struck by how friendly residents are — the "southern hospitality" for which this part of the country is famous. They’re also likely to be amazed (and far less pleased) at the year-round heat and humidity.

Before Mr. Bush came to power, the federal government had a surplus. It was spending less than it received in taxes and there was even speculation that most of the national debt might eventually be repaid.