WASHINGTON, D.C.–The U.S. Senate is back in control of Republicans, beginning in January, after Tuesday night’s elections. Mississippi’s Republican D.C. lawmakers see that as a chance to stop and possibly reverse some of the policies of Pres. Obama, while Democrat Bennie Thompson says he’s ready to work with whoever is in charge.
“I think Mississippi will stay conservative,” said Rep. Steven Palazzo, who represents south Mississippi and the coast in D.C. “It’s gonna be a new start for America, to a certain extent. It’d be great if we had the Senate and a new president. We’re gonna push legislation that me and my colleagues have been doing for four years, then the president’s gonna have to actually earn his paycheck.”
Sen. Thad Cochran said he is optimistic that Republicans can work with Democrats, even though there is visible acrimony.
“I’m committed to doing my best to represent Mississippi in the U.S. Senate,” he said. “Our nation faces many challenges, but by working together, I’m optimistic we can get America back on the right track.”
Thompson, who serves the 2nd District, which is mostly made up of the Mississippi Delta, said he does not see Tuesday’s results as a referendum on Pres. Obama’s policies.
“Pres. Obama wasn’t on the ticket. What I see, is it was a referendum on the leadership in the Senate,” he said.
Thompson said that efforts to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act will be a priority for him.
“I look forward to working with whoever is in charge, whether it’s Democrats or Republicans. We’re all Americans.”
Gov. Phil Bryant (R) believes Republicans will be able to ride the momentum in the state.
“You’re gonna see multiple Republicans running for offices in the future, because they realize if they win the Republican primary that they will prevail, more than likely for that particular office.”
Sen. Roger Wicker said in a statement congratulating the Republicans in Mississippi’s delegation, that he and his Republican colleagues intend to hold the administration’s feet to the fire on issues like joblessness.
“Only two years remain of the President’s final term in office and our congressional delegation will work to hold the President and his Administration accountable. We are well positioned to do the job that Mississippians sent us here to do.”
