NORTH CARROLLTON — Former U.S. Sen. Trent Lott used to joke about earmarks back before they were banned by Republicans in Congress, saying, “Pork is federal spending on projects north of Memphis.”
To some in this state, that is the way they feel about it. However, to others it is time to cut spending as much as possible.
Just as cutting spending with a more conservative approach makes for a big hit in a campaign in the form of advertisements, testimonials from people of all walks of life in this state about how dollars from Washington have helped them in their lives are hard to beat when effectively conveyed. For example, there’s the fire truck for the rural community that would not have been possible any other way; there are better and safer highways for traveling; and one of the biggest, which would be a centerpiece in a Sen. Thad Cochran re-election campaign, are the funds that were received for this state when Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. At this juncture, Cochran has a powerful record with the segment of voters who know that federal dollars have improved their lives.
When the next election cycle rolls around in 2014, it is for certain that cutting federal spending will be a leading topic of discussion, especially in the U.S. Senate race. Whether the state’s senior senator runs or not, there will be a lot of talk on federal spending. Certainly if Cochran decides to run, his record on funds that he has brought to this state along with his serving as the top Republican on the Appropriations Committee will be on the forefront in the discussion. If Cochran retires, federal spending will still be the leading issue, because state Sen. Chris McDaniel is in the race regardless. No matter who the candidates are, McDaniel is certain to make federal spending an issue.
At this juncture, McDaniel is powerful with the segment of voters who want to cut federal spending in the future to the bone. It will be interesting to see, if there is an open race, whether other candidates decide to carry on Cochran’s trend with bringing home funds for this state.
There will be all kinds of special-interest groups that are for or against federal spending, and they will spend a great deal of money informing Mississippians about how awful the appropriations are or what a blessing they have been.
With the mood of less government and controlling spending at all levels, McDaniel and his campaign are certain to gain some traction, especially in the GOP primary. McDaniel has a powerful argument on that front. With Cochran in the race, he also has a powerful argument, having helped almost every county to some degree with projects vital to them that they could not otherwise have afforded. If Cochran retires and another candidate, who could very well be Democratic or Republican, in an open race decides to carry on Cochran's record of bringing funds to Mississippi, then that candidate will inherit a great deal of support that would have otherwise gone to the senior senator
A lot of Mississippians agree on cutting federal spending. This election will show if we would like for the cuts in the future to be only north of Memphis.
• Ken Strachan is a former mayor of North Carrollton and serves as Carroll County coroner.
