Musgrove concedes Senate seat to Wicker

The Clarion-Ledger, 11/6/8

Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove ended his Senate bid Wednesday, leaving questions about the future of his political career and speculation over his loss.

Republican Roger Wicker defeated Musgrove, a Democrat, in a bitter race that assured the state’s two Senate seats stay in Republican control. Longtime GOP incumbent Thad Cochran easily won a sixth term on Tuesday.

Musgrove said he waited to call the race until affidavit ballots were counted but realized late Tuesday night that he did not have the votes to win.

“Mississippians yesterday and Americans yesterday made their decisions and we respect those,” Musgrove said.