I'm guessing that in the rings of political consulting, the political consultants who end up running for office are probably in the lower rung of consultiana. Although Ken Hurt does have reason to 'save money' by just hiring himself to consult himself.

Getting four challengers is a pretty good improvement over having nobody in 2004.

Although not finding one person who wanted to file in the 3rd is disappointing. And i'm pretty sure the door for third party candidacies is pretty much closed.

The other races in Mississippi

The 2nd - Thompson is getting challenged in the Democratic Primary by State Rep. Chuck Espy. Word in the papers is that Thompson will face a tough challenge from Espy. Republican Yvonne Brown is going to face the winner of that primary.

The 4th - Gene Taylor's Republican opponent Randy McDonnell is unusually honest about his own abilities:

"Gene Taylor beat me pretty bad. I'm probably not a good candidate"

He's right about that. Taylor beat him 78/18 in 1998 and 79/18 in 2000. Taylor put down 79% on McDonnell as Bush was putting up 66% against Gore.

So, in all likelyhood, Gene Taylor breaks 80% in 2006.

If you want more good news, Trent Lott will face one of four minor opponents, instead just one of one minor opponent:

U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., is unopposed in the GOP primary. He'll face the winner of the Democratic primary, where four candidates, including state Rep. Erik Fleming of Clinton, are vying for his seat.

The other Democrats are Bill Bowlin, a business consultant from Hickory Flat, James O'Keefe, a minister and businessman from Long Beach, and Hattiesburg retiree Catherine M. Starr.

I feel a little better knowing there's a chance that the nominee may not be the LaRouche supporter Fleming. Granted, I think Fleming ended up switching his stance to "I don't support political cult leaders any more" or something else

Source for Quotes

Any thoughts on Mississippi in general, or Espy v. Thompson?