With only days left before Mississippians head to the polls to chose their party's candidate for U-S Senate, Tea Party leaders are trying to refocus voters attention back to the issues.
Officials with both national and state Tea Party groups are concerned that Mississippi voters have become distracted from what really matters during this Republican Senate Primary. Kevin Broughton, a spokesman for the Tea Party Patriots, says it's time to refocus on the issues.
“First and foremost, the national debt.’ says Broughton. “Obamacare is another issue we think is of critical importance, and finally we want to talk about amnesty.”
Most of the distraction stems from the scandal revolving around photos of Senator Thad Cochran's ailing wife that were posted to the internet by a Chris McDaniel supporter nearly two weeks ago. Former Central Mississippi Tea Party Chair Roy Nicholson says voters need to instead concentrate on getting Thad Chocran out of office.
“Go after the facts that are critical to the life and health of Mississippians.” Nicholson says. “The debt, amnesty, Obamacare, it goes on and on and on. Where has Thad Cochran been on these issues? Why won’t he debate? Why are you interested in one guy instead of 42 years of record of Thad Cochran? Why are you focusing on the non-essential?
Senator Thad Cochran, however, stands by his record. Earlier this week, he said the reception he's received while on the campaign trail has been nothing but supportive.
“People seem to be happy with the work I’ve been doing, and I’m flattered by that.” he says. “I’m encouraged to seek another term and continue representing Mississippi as I have in the past, and that’s my intention.”
Tea Party candidate Christopher McDaniel will face Senator Thad Cochran in this Tuesday's primary election.
