Sen. Wicker on mission to retain Republican majority
One of Wicker’s challenges is how to raise money without knowing which GOP incumbents will ultimately decide to run for the White House. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Marco Rubio of Florida, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Ted Cruz of Texas all are likely to run.
Wicker, serving his second term, represented Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District in the House from 1995 to 2007. A social and fiscal conservative, he has opposed the Obama administration on issues ranging from foreign policy to health care.
Wicker’s conservative credentials could play well with some donors, said Stephen Rozman, a political scientist at Tougaloo College.
“He’ll be in tune with the Tea Party people,” said Rozman. There are some “‘powerful forces” willing to “put a lot of money into conservative causes,” he said.
Rozman said the Republican Party next year likely will focus more on economic issues than social issues and will work to raise money from Wall Street.
“Wicker can play that game, certainly,” Rozman said.
Senate Democrats, however, may have a slight advantage next year, with Republicans defending 24 of the 34 seats in play.
USAToday
3/20/15
