The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 1/28/8
Mississippi Congressman Chip Pickering on Friday asked Gov. Haley Barbour to remove his name from the list of possible appointees as the state’s next U.S. senator.
In a statement, Pickering said:
“It has been a privilege to serve Mississippi in Congress for these past 11 years. I am extremely honored to be considered as a potential appointee to the U.S. Senate, and I am very grateful to those who encouraged me to consider this opportunity.
“In August, after much prayer, thought and consideration for what I believe is best for my family, I made a very difficult decision not to seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008. I continue to stand by that decision in relation to this Senate vacancy. I believe public service is an honorable calling. But now is not my time.”
