Mississippi: Filing Closes

The Mississippi candidate filing deadline closed on March 1st, so the candidate field for the upcoming US Senate race is now finalized.  As reported last week, state Sen. Chris McDaniel (R-Ellisville) is challenging Sen. Roger Wicker in the Republican primary, but a third candidate is also in the GOP campaign.  Businessman and Viet Nam War veteran Richard Boyanton also filed to enter the race.  Though he is not a threat to become a major factor, a similar candidate in 2014, Thomas Carey, drew 1.5% of the primary vote.  The amount, though small and seemingly insignificant, proved enough to deny McDaniel a majority against Sen. Thad Cochran (R), thus forcing a secondary run-off election.
 
Six Democrats filed, and three could generate significant backing.  State House Minority Leader David Baria (D-Bay St. Louis) filed to run, as did state Rep. Omeria Scott (D-Laurel), and wealthy businessman Howard Sherman who has the ability to self-fund a serious campaign.  Though Sen. Wicker is favored to win the primary and general elections, this campaign is shaping up to be a more interesting battle than first forecast.

--Jim Ellis