NORTH CARROLLTON — The Democratic Party in Mississippi has fielded a strong U.S. Senate candidate in Travis Childers of Booneville. Childers, a former congressman from the 1st District, would serve this state well again in Washington.
The first time I met Childers was in 2008, when he was running for Congress in the open seat to replace Roger Wicker, who had just been appointed to the U.S. Senate after the retirement of Trent Lott. It did not take long for me to realize that Childers is concerned about the future of this country and he would work across party and racial lines for the betterment of all citizens.
This style of public service is how he has served in the past, and he would be effective beyond measure with his dedication of including everyone if he gets the chance to serve this state again in Washington.
He brings unique qualifications to the race. Childers is in touch with the needs of the people of this state, beginning with his service on the local level. He began his service in Prentiss County as chancery clerk, which is about as close to the public in this state as it gets. He was elected five consecutive times to serve the people of Prentiss County, a position he held from 1992 until his election to Congress in 2008.
Childers’ service in leadership roles is also valuable. He was elected by Democrats and Republicans alike as president of the 82-member Mississippi Chancery Clerks Association and served from 2001 to 2002. That demonstrated his talent of bringing people together. He has confidence and credibility across the political spectrum. This service though a statewide county officials’ organization has helped him to build a network in Mississippi’s courthouses, and that is a very powerful connection for not only a statewide campaign but in his being effective as the next U.S. senator. All the campaign contributions and special-interest money in the world can’t compare to that grassroots base on the local level.
Childers will appeal to independent and GOP-leaning voters in a general election race squaring off with whoever the Republican nominee is on the ballot, either incumbent Thad Cochran or tea party-backed challenger Chris McDaniel, a state senator.
• Ken Strachan is a former mayor of North Carrollton and serves as Carroll County coroner. He is a Democrat.
