Stacey Pickering will run for Senate if Thad Cochran retires

Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Mississippi State Auditor Stacey Pickering says he will throw his hat into the ring to run for U.S. Senate next year, but only if sitting Sen. Thad Cochran decides to retire.

“My position on that has not changed since April a year ago,” Pickering said. “I don’t think it’s any big secret -- there have been a whole lot of us mentioned over the last year as potential candidates."

"But to do anything prior to Sen. Cochran making a decision is inappropriate in my opinion," Pickering said.

The veteran Republican, 75, was first elected in 1978.

"He and I have had conversations, and I visit with him regularly and I think he is genuinely weighing the best decision for the state and for him and his family and at the end of the day he will make the right decision," Pickering said. "If he runs again I will not challenge him.”

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said he will also run, but only if Cochran steps down.

State Sen. Chris McDaniel, a Republican with Tea Party backing, is the only declared candidate in the race.

[Clarion Ledger]