MS-Sen: Moore Not Running For Senate
By BrettK Posted in 2008 | Mississippi — Comments (11) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
The top Democratic candidate for Trent Lott’s soon-to-be-open seat, former Attorney General Mike Moore, has decided against a run in November.
From the Clarion-Ledger:
Former Democratic state Attorney General Mike Moore said he would not seek U.S. Sen. Trent Lott’s seat in the special election scheduled Nov. 4.
I am happy doing what I am doing, my family is happy, and I look forward to making a big difference in my state and nation, Moore said in a statement. I have seriously considered the U.S. Senate vacancy as my friends urged me to do, but I have always known that what I am doing now is good enough for me.
The next tier of Democrats includes former governors Ray Mabus and Ronnie Musgrove. Both of these men lost re-election for a reason, and these poll numbers (here and here) show their lack of popularity in Mississippi.
On this news alone, I think it is safe to say that this race remains safely in the R column (unless the Republicans were to nominate some awful candidate).
It is also worth noting that Moore is the man who hired Dickie Scruggs to represent the state against the tobacco companies. That is the same Dickie Scruggs who was indicted just two weeks ago for allegedly bribing a judge. I can’t say for sure if this had anything to do with Moore’s decision not to run (as he doesn’t want his name dragged through the mud), but it certainly had to cross his mind.
Follow the race at Majority In Mississippi.
This is absolutely very good news. I think we need a bit more to call this one safe, though it certainly appears headed in that direction. There was some talk of Barbour appointing former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy, a black Democrat who would become a Republican to take the appointment. If that happens, Musgrove could definitely make this a race. There are still too many known unknowns to say that this one's over.
Moore was the guy that was scary.
Every race can be lost, but this one can join the category of ones that will take a special sort of effort to mess up.
"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." - Bill Shankly
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
do you mean like appointing someone who is currently a Democrat to the seat?
I really hope they don't do something like that. Appoint Pickering or Wicker. Get a good conservative. Call it a day.
"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." - Bill Shankly
If he's the nominee, even Moore couldn't beat him, he'd get a whole lot of D votes and R's wouldn't have any place to go, and I doubt many would stay home unless he basically talks like a lib the whole time, which I seriously, seriously doubt he would.
Anyhow, I doubt that'll happen, but it doesn't really matter. Is there a chance this race could become competitive? Yes, there is always a chance with a situation like this, but with Moore out of the way, this is as close to a sure thing as we can get.
John Bolton for President
"FEAR THE 'STACH!!!"
I think you're underestimating the dominance of the Democrat Party among blacks. Their nominee will win the black vote handily, and many Republicans would have a lot of trouble supporting someone who worked in the Clinton Administration. We need a Republican candidate, not two Democrats.
Would only have to move about 10% more of MS blacks into the GOP column to make this unwinnable. I think he could do it.
Although there is substantial value having an African American GOP Senator -- and there are some signs of movement toward the GOP among blacks in the South -- I'd prefer a thorough conservative in this red seat.
"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." - Bill Shankly
He's an appropriator. Here's hoping Haley appoints a small government conservative.
This basically seals the seat for us. Other then the popular Moore, nobody on the D side has anywhere close to the strength to swim against what will be a landslide election for President (at least if Hillary is the nominee, and I doubt it'll be that much different if Edwards or Obama is the guy either) to win.
The fact that they are trumping two former incumbent Governor who got blown out of the water when he ran for re-election as their potential candidates speaks volumes.
John Bolton for President
"FEAR THE 'STACH!!!"