A Couple 2012 Notes
A couple quick notes on the 2012 Congressional and Senate races.
** Leon Panetta is expected to replace Robert Gates as secretary of defense when Gates departs. You may remember Ray Mabus was mentioned as a possible replacement, and even reportedly met with the president and others about the job. But for now, it looks like he will be staying put with the Navy.
This is worth pointing out because of a rumor going around that Mabus may be interested in a 2012 Senate run against Roger Wicker. How does this change things? You’d think Mabus would be more willing to give up his current post to run than defense secretary. But, still, a big gamble either way.
This may also affect MS-04. Gene Taylor has said secretary of Navy is the only return to politics he would be interested in. That now appears of the table unless Mabus leaves. So does Taylor change his mind and make a run for his old Congressional seat? I’m not convinced he’s done if he thinks he has a shot in 2012.
** Speaking of 2012, Southern Political Report has a blurb on the Mississippi senate race. According to one long-time political observer, “nobody’s even scratching at” the chance to run against Roger Wicker.
** One 2012 candidate who is certainly up and running is Greenville mayor Heather McTeer. In a recent AP story, McTeer said she is seeking office to try to help the Delta and that this was a decision she didn’t make lightly. Bennie Thompson, the nine-term incumbent she will be facing in the primary, said he takes every opponent seriously.
McTeer has also launched a campaign website, which can be found at HeatherMcTeer.com.
Word on the street is Taylor is definitely thinking of running for his old seat but he attributes his loss to the over-all national distaste for all things Democratic and therefore will try to run next term as a Republican. Keep in mind this is the same Gene Taylor who, when approached several years ago about switching parties, made public ridicule about not ever switching….claiming instead to be one to represent the working man. Taylor doesn’t seem to reallize he was his own worst enemy….becoming disgustingly arrogant and nasty to voters as if he owned the office and they weren’t paying his salary. Rumors also abound that Palazzo’s wife is causing all the problems in his D.C. office and that she must get out of the way if he is to keep his job as well.
But back to Taylor….most Congressional members get offered a job the day after the election…he had to wait five months to get a job with a barge company! Not exactly a guy in demand.