Thad Cochran

I was surprised earlier this year when Sen. Thad Cochran said he would seek reelection and started doing a little fund raising. I thought Cochran would be retiring after a long fruitful career. But rumors persist this week that he might have changed his mind and could be retiring after all.
It would be understandable. Since the Senate majority has changed to the Democrats, Cochran lost his chairmanship of Appropriations, a job he felt he should keep as long as he could for the sake of Mississippi. Had he not had that seat after Katrina, Missisisppi would not have gotten the federal aid it received, which was so important to the recovery. It has been invaluable to the state and Cochran understands that.
He maintains power as the ranking minority member, but the role now is greatly diminished.
There have to be personal considerations, too.
The Senate may be the most exclusive club in the world, but life on Capitol Hill is not easy. I don't know how long-serving elected officials deal with the high-pressure lifestyle over the years with everyone pulling from you from all sides. I can understand why he would want to come home.