A Cochran re-election campaign would result in a dull political year for Mississippi in 2014. I wrote last week about why I believe U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran will seek re-election in 2014. But were he to forgo another term, the result could create an historic Republican primary and perhaps a contested general election with several millions spent on campaigns and media to woo voters.
Republicans often mentioned as candidates include Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Auditor Stacey Pickering, state Sen. Chris McDaniel of Laurel, Lt. Governor Tate Reeves, U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper and Alan Nunnelee, and Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Mike Randolph (judicial positions are nonpartisan but Randolph would like run under the GOP banner).
Hosemann makes no secret he is interested and has been raising money for a potential bid. Sources say fundraising includes a federal PAC which I presume falls under the “exploratory” FEC rules that allow a candidate to raise and spend funds for travel, polling and expenses related to considering a run. Hosemann would not have to file disclosures on his exploratory federal PAC unless he actually ran for the Senate.
Madison County Journal
7/31/13
Magnolia Tribune
