MS Rep. Wicker Appointed To The Senate
The Jackson Clarion-Ledger is reporting that Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) will appoint Congressman Roger Wicker (R) to the United States Senate, filling the vacancy created by Trent Lott's resignation. Wicker would take office immediately, possibly followed by legal wrangling over whether the required special election should take place within 90 days or instead coincide with the 2008 general election.
As for Wicker's House district, from which he would resign in order to take the appointment, President Bush carried it with 62% of the vote in 2004, so the Republicans would be initially favored in the special election.
Late Update: Barbour has made it official.
Comments (6)
Dan wrote on December 31, 2007 12:39 PM:Don't forget that a poll out last week has Democrat Musgrove up with a double-digit lead on Wicker.
Steve wrote on December 31, 2007 1:22 PM:"Don't forget that a poll out last week has Democrat Musgrove up with a double-digit lead on Wicker."
And don't forget the Republican landslide there in November, where the GOP swept most of the statewide offices. I would say that Senator Wicker is heavily favored for re-election in heavily Repubican Mississippi, whether there's an election in 90 days or in November.
Steve wrote on December 31, 2007 1:24 PM:That said, I can't help but feel that Trent Lott was fundamentally dishonest with his electorate for getting re-elected last year and then resigning like this. It just doesn't leave a good feeling in your mouth.
yellowdogD wrote on December 31, 2007 1:25 PM:Is the state AG still planning to sue?
Can the Senate refuse to seat the interim senator if the state law plainly reads an interim senator is picked ONLY if there is less than a year left in the term of vacating senator?
"It just doesn't leave a good feeling in your mouth."
Steve - Either it doesn't leave a good feeling in your stomach or doesn't leave a good taste in your mouth. But if it doesn't leave a good feeling in your mouth Trent musta stuck something really big in there.
Happy New Year.
Michael wrote on January 1, 2008 6:28 AM:"And don't forget the Republican landslide there in November,..."
The Republicans may have swept most of the statewide offices, but the Democrats have taken back the state senate. The results were disappointing, but I wouldn't call it a landslide.
MS is Republican, esp on the federal level, but I think that makes the question whether or not there is a special election even more important. The Dems may still need a high profile challenger and Wicker might still be favored, but the difference between a "Safe Republican" race and a "leans Republican" race is tremendous, esp with the drained resources of the NRSC.
