In an “Open letter to Mississippians,” former AG Mike Moore announced he's not interested in the US Senate:
I met with the leadership in the U.S. Senate while I was in town and talked with many of my friends, former attorneys general who serve their states well as U.S. Senators. The message was clear – the job of Senator is important and fulfilling; the polls show I could win; and I would have the money I needed to win the race. It all just came down to whether it was best for me and my family. The truth is I made my decision four years ago, and it has been a good one for my family and me. In the last four years I made every baseball game Kyle had, Tisha and I have had much more family time, and I have been fortunate in my law practice.
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The point is I am happy doing what I am doing, my family is happy, and I look forward to making a big difference in my state and nation. I have seriously considered the U.S. Senate vacancy as my friends urged me to do, but I have always known that what I am doing now is good enough for me. I appreciate all the encouragement to run.
Moore was likely Democrats' best shot at picking up retiring Sen. Trent Lott's seat, but former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove is still looking at the race and could make it competitive.
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I’ve been thinking of something though.
I’ve seen it happen in the West where a candidate with no experience can prove herself/himself through a very dedicated and thoughtful campaign. Does anyone know if that would work in the West?
Well, friends, Mike Moore may be out, but it’s not the end of the battle to win this seat. Governor Musgrove will be a great candidate! He’s an awesome campaigner, and his graceful departure from office in 2003 left people with an overall positive impression. Instead of being bitter, he turned lemons into lemonade. He got a great teaching job and a sweet law firm deal.
From what all my sources back home are telling me, Governor Barbour isn’t saying who he will appoint to fill Lott’s seat. And apparently, he’s stressing about his inability to find the ideal candidate. Rep. Pickering has to figure out if his kids are more important than a Senate seat. Rep. Wicker – who is a moron – would be rather vulnerable to Governor Musgrove. Wicker is also pretty unknown outside of northern Mississippi. State Treasurer Tate Reeves is a young, fresh face, but if he goes toe-to-toe with Musgrove, Reeves may get schooled in how politics in Mississippi actually works.
Since I’ve always wanted to do this… I’m going to put this race in the TOO CLOSE TO CALL category. We’ll have to wait until Governor Barbour appoints Lott’s replacement before we’ll have any clue how this race is going to shape up. Keep in mind that MS will be all about whoever the Republican presidential nominee is so Musgrove will have to haul ass to get votes to counter all the Republicans heading out to vote against Billary/Oprahbama.
Moore is never going to run for federal office.