Yes, there is a Thad Cochran sign in my yard. No, I did not put it there. My landlord did. If you know me, you know I am a straight party Democrat. But, because the sign is in my yard, I am going to put my two cents in on this run off.
I have always respected Thad Cochran. He was the last of dying breed of gentlemen statesmen, people who believed in working together to get things done. In recent years he has migrated further right with the rest of his party. He didn't seem comfortable there, but he was a pragmatist. By now you have probably noticed my use of past tense. I think Senator Cochran is no longer alert enough to serve as Senator. He is being heavily handled by his staff.
As for Chris McDaniel, I have serious concerns about the Tea Party. This state is heavily dependent on Federal funds. While it is noble to suggest that dependence on entitlements is not healthy, I am not sure farmers, schools, universities, and the military are ready for the budget slashing the Tea Party will impose on this country if they take the Senate.
So I am, not for the first time, glad to be a Democrat. The run off on Tuesday is not my problem, not my business, even if there is a sign in my yard.
This is what I just posted on Facebook. Expanded thoughts after the orange magnolia:
I know many of you on Daily Kos will focus on whether my landlord can put a campaign sign in my yard. I live in a very small town and have rented this house for over 20 years. I like my landlord; the election is just a few days away and I will let it stand.
What is implied in my Facebook post, and what I am saying directly here, is that I don't believe in crossing parties to vote in the other guy's primary. They should get to choose their own poison. Yes, whoever they choose will probably be the next Senator from Mississippi. But we have a two party system.
I will work for Travis Childers. I don't think he has a chance against either of the Republicans. McDaniels is gaining momentum. He is young and fresh. They have airbrushed his radicalism. Mississippi voters see Democrats as poison.
Many of you would choose differently from me. You would vote in the runoff to get a good opponent for Childers. I am not sure it is apparent which is the better choice.