At this juncture, with the recent drop outs in these races, its really hard to tell what will happen in Mississippi.
Both Republican Congressman have left their seats, one for retirment and the other for the senate. Democrats have credible challengers in each seat but it is unknown if either seat is really a pickup opportunity.
I will be describing both races here to give a run down as both races will be on the radar until they show they shouldn’t be. I can really give very little in the way of an opinion as to who the favorites are but will give it my best shot.
In the 1st CD, Republicans have 2 major candidates in Southaven Mayor Charles Davis and former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough. Both appear to be very conservative in nature. On the Democratic side, Chancery Clerk Travis Childers, Calhoun Alderman Marshall Coleman and State Representative Daniel Holland appear to be the big 3 names in the race though 2006 nominee J.K. Hurt is running as well.
In the 3rd CD, there are seveal Republican candidates and I have no idea who will come out on top. The Democratic side is much better with only 2 candidates, Banker Randy Eads and Pickens Alderman Joel Gill. Gill is the only candidate to have held political office and appears to speak fluent Republican on his website as it appears he supports the war effort. While he doesn’t seem to be the type of candidate I would normally support, he would vote to keep the Democrats in leadership and I guess that will have to do as I know nothing about Randy Eads at this time, he has no website.
Hope this helps with sorting out atleast some information. I’ll have more coverage on this race after the primary as I hope to cover the eventual nominees to narrow down potential pick up opportunities.
In the 1st District, the Republicans will have a difficult time choosing between Mayors Davis and McCullough. They’re from opposite ends of the district so they’ll have different forces backing them. As far as the Democrats go, it’s a different story. State Rep. Steve Holland will be busy with his work in the Legislature over the next few months so it will be very difficult for him to get from Jackson to the district that often. That would give Childers the upper hand in campaigning. Holland is a smart guy, but it’s unfortunate that this seat could stay in Republican hands should Steve be cooped up in Jackson all the time.
In the 3rd District, the Republicans will hold this seat. No doubt in my mind. The question is which Republican will win it. Right now, my money is on former state senator Charlie Ross. He still has the upper hand from his campaign for Lt. Governor in 2007. Ross still has to watch out for David Landrum and the others in the race, but I’m banking on Ross. The Democrats would be better served to focus their efforts in the 1st District.