/Espy running in nation’s most ‘game changing’ Senate race, Booker says

Espy running in nation’s most ‘game changing’ Senate race, Booker says

Booker, a Democrat was in Jackson on Friday to raise money for Senator candidate Mike Espy. Espy is a former congressman, and was the agriculture secretary under the Clinton Administration. He is running in November’s special election to complete the term of Senator Thad Cochran. Booker, who many Democrats believe could run for the presidency in 2020, spoke briefly at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. He stressed the importance and significance of the state’s upcoming Senate election. He said, “I could be anywhere.” “But I’m there because I believe that this Senate race is going to be more important than any other races right now.” Cochran announced his retirement earlier in the year, which triggered a political frenzy. Mississippi now has two Senate seats open for election in November. Mississippi’s state representative David Baria (D-Bay St. Louis), is running to unseat Republican Senator Roger Wicker. This could be the first time in modern times that a Democrat has been sent to the U.S. Senate. Baria and Espy could swing the Senate’s power balance. Mississippi voters could play a crucial role in determining the Senate’s composition, depending on how the dominoes are thrown on Election Day and whether the race for Cochran goes to a runoff three week later. At the moment, Republicans currently hold 51 seats and Democrats have 47. Booker stated that Mississippi will send a delegation of representatives to Congress, which in its very nature will be about working with all parties. “Mississippi’s Senate delegation will include two people who will shout ‘We have to bring home the bacon for the state’.” Espy’s campaign is relatively quiet, his first public appearance being last weekend at the Jackson Black Rodeo. Espy encouraged the community to register to vote on Friday and reiterated a familiar message that he would work with all sides to make Mississippi a better place. Espy stated, “We want be the bridge that connects all Mississippians with goodwill, regardless their age, gender, race or religion or political party.” “We want to forge common purpose together with all Mississippians, regardless of differences.” Booker was optimistic about Espy’s chances against Republican challengers state Senator Chris McDaniel (who Gov. Phil Bryant was appointed to replace Cochran in March. Espy is also confident in his ability to work with Senate Republicans. Booker stated that he is certain to vote against the Democratic party and the majority of us on many issues. Mike Espy has been an independent thinker who does what he believes is best.