Acropolis Endorsement: 2008 U.S. Senate (Mississippi)

Illness has postponed this endorsement far too long, but for those who didn’t vote this morning, here you are…

Special Election – Ronnie Musgrove

The campaign between Democrat Ronnie Musgrove and Republican Roger Wicker has been nothing short of ugly. The focus on attack ads was a great injustice to the voters of Mississippi, who were subjected to party propaganda instead of discussion of issues. The debate at Mississippi College may have been the worst in American political history (probably not, but you get the point).

If ever there was a time for a strong independent candidate, this election was it. Unfortunately, we have to choose between two men who have passed on character in favor of slinging mud.

If ever an actual election embodied the stereotypical, cartoonish state of American politics, this election was it. We have two men, separated by nothing but the letter next to their name. They stand for virtually the same thing on virtually every issue, which makes their attacks even more ridiculous. They once roomed together. They even look exactly the same:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, how in the world do you pick between Candidate A and Candidate B? One factor is former Gov. Musgrove’s record on education. Mississippi’s schools are in desperate need of help and Musgrove is more likely to focus on and deliver it. It may be the only area of policy where one candidate triumphs over the other. The central reason The Acropolis is supporting Musgrove is because he seems to be more likely to vote independently of his party when it matters most to the state. Wicker has campaigned under the banner of conservative “Mississippi” principles, not liberal “East Coast” principles. Sometimes, even in a red state like Mississippi, the best option is on the other side of the aisle, or somewhere in between. Sen. Wicker appears to be another Mississippi Republican who would never stray from his party line. Gov. Musgrove has already demonstrated the ability to go against the traditional values of his party.

U.S. Senate – Thad Cochran

Regardless of who wins the special election, Mississippi has already lost one tenured senator in Trent Lott. Due to a lack of real opposition, we will not lose another. Cochran should rout Erik Fleming and continue to represent the state. Years of service matter a great deal in Congress, and Cochran should win on that alone.

There are the endorsements. Agree or disagree, get out and vote today!