Pickering or Wicker selection adds layer

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 12/6/7

Speculation is boiling on who will replace the retiring Trent Lott in the U.S. Senate, but most political observers still believe Gov. Haley Barbour will appoint either Rep. Roger Wicker of Tupelo or Rep. Chip Pickering of Madison County.

And if either Republican U.S. House member is selected, state voters could be faced with more confusion over special elections.

Barbour says the special election should be held Nov. 4, 2008, as part of the general election. But Democrats contend the election must be held within 100 days of Lott’s resignation. The matter could be decided by the courts. Lott has not officially resigned yet.