Wicker's Appointment ends representation for South Mississippi

[SoMissTV]

From the Hattiesburg American (http://hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080101/NEWS01/801010301/1002):

With Gov. Haley Barbour's appointment of Rep. Roger Wicker to fill Trent Lott's U.S. Senate seat, Mississippi will no longer have a senator from the southern part of the state.


Although the politicians quoted in the article have expressed confidence that Sen. Wicker will represent our area well, others feel that south Mississippi has lost a powerful voice for our area's concerns and needs.



What are your thoughts?

[Hawkeye]

We'll start building ships, submarines and landing craft in Greenville?

[Guru]

I am kind of worried about that too.
I was hoping for Gene Taylor along with some other folks.

[Queen Mother]

Because Republicans have taken such control in Mississippi, I wonder if Taylor would consider switching parties in order to be a true contender against Wicker in the general election? I believe he could beat Wicker and any other candidate if he ran as a Republican.

[Hawkeye]

stoopid question but why would Gene need to change parties? I kind'a think most folks are feeling Independent these days, sick of both parties.

[Queen Mother]

Oh I agree people are sick of both parties - but I'm just wondering since Mississippi has gone soooo Republican in most state elections, if Taylor would have a better chance beating everyone in the race if he was Republican? Do you think Mississippi is going to elect a Democratic senator? I don't know, just wondering.

[Hawkeye]

Do you think Mississippi is going to elect a Democratic senator? I don't know, just wondering.
I'm prolly wrong but think it's possible. Gene would never flip.

[EricStratton]

I've never actively campaigned for anyone outside of my immediate family, but I will walk the streets for Gene Taylor if he decides to run.....

[Fotno]

stoopid question but why would Gene need to change parties? I kind'a think most folks are feeling Independent these days, sick of both parties.

That's why I like Gene.He doesn't care much for parties Dems/Rep.

[SoMissTV]

Does Gene have any name recognition above Jackson? Or is he like Wicker is to us: a virtual unknown?

[EricStratton]

Does Gene have any name recognition above Jackson? Or is he like Wicker is to us: a virtual unknown?

I don't know, but don't we have a larger population down here?

[SoMissTV]

I think we do, but Jackson is a swing market and would likely trend toward Wicker.

Wicker will get a lot of natural press coverage in the performance of his duties, and the gov will stand in every photo with him. That's a big advantage in Mississippi.

[EricStratton]

I think we do, but Jackson is a swing market and would likely trend toward Wicker.

Wicker will get a lot of natural press coverage in the performance of his duties, and the gov will stand in every photo with him. That's a big advantage in Mississippi.

To me, and this is JMHO, Roger is not very likable and doesn't come off as being very smart, courageous, or, for lack of a better term, manly.....I think some of that has to make a difference too.....I don't know....maybe that plays well with a certain segment of the voting populace...

But, Gubna BahBuh do carry a lot of weight despite all the walkin' he and Deuce been doin'......

[SoMissTV]

The reality is that many people will vote on the "conservative values Republican" line. If the TV ads are crafted well, and he rehearses his message, it's his race to lose.

The only real competition he would have had was Mike Moore, who's not running.

[EricStratton]

The reality is that many people will vote on the "conservative values Republican" line. If the TV ads are crafted well, and he rehearses his message, it's his race to lose.

The only real competition he would have had was Mike Moore, who's not running.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think Gene is more electable than you think....I think he could use the "south MS gettin' screwed" strategy to his advantage......but, I think you bring up a good point: "Will Republicans jump ship and vote for Gene?"

[SoMissTV]

"Will Republicans jump ship and vote for Gene?"

Therein lies the problem. A voter in Southhaven is asked to decide between a conservative values Republican with whom the voter is familiar, or a conservative values Democrat with whom the voter is not. I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this equation.

Don't get me wrong; I really like Gene. However, I think he's comfortable (and untouchable) in the House. Why upset that formula?