Local political parties keep eyes on November election despite p - WDAM-TV 7-News, Weather, Sports-Hattiesburg, MS

It has been five months since the Republican primary for United States Senate. Some voters may say it is still not over, with pending litigation in the state supreme court, while others are strictly focused on winning in November.

Chairman of the Forrest County Democratic Party H.C. Johnson held the chapter's final meet and greet with candidates Tuesday before the November 4 general election.

"We'll be on the telephone, and we'll be emailing, and we'll be getting our base," said Johnson of what's to come over the next month.

Some may argue that the past five months has split the Republican party in Mississippi, but for Democrats, Johnson said it was the opposite effect.

"What I've seen is that it has helped the democrats to come together," he said.

Johnson said a viable candidate to beat incumbent Senator Thad Cochran is found in Democrat Travis Childers. If voters prove that the case, it would be the first time in 36 years Mississippi has had a Democrat in that seat.

If Cochran defends his long-time seat, it will still be a win for the books between the runoff, lawsuit and the appeal that continues Thursday in the state supreme court.

Voters must be registered by Saturday at noon to participate in the November 4 election. Registration forms sent by mail must be postmarked by Saturday.

The Forrest County Circuit Clerk's office said new registration numbers are average compared to years past.

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