Democrats Quietly Cheer Tea Party Win in Mississippi

WASHINGTON — It is a major headache for the national Republican Party and perhaps the biggest break Democrats have been handed in this difficult election year: a three-week runoff campaign in Mississippi between a party elder, Senator Thad Cochran, and the sometimes unpredictable Tea Party favorite, Chris McDaniel.

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Personally I think this is wishful thinking. Mississippi is among the reddest of states. In all likelihood historians will say that the election was settled by the GOP primary.

New law may make Mississippi abortion free state

A bill passed by Mississippi lawmakers putting new restrictions on doctors performing abortions moves the state one step closer to becoming “abortion free.”

There is only one abortion clinic in the state, and the owner, Diane Derzis, has said the bill’s requirements could force it to shut down.

“It looks dire for them,” said Leola Reif, vice president for external affairs for Planned Parenthood Southeast.

The bill, which passed the state Senate on Wednesday, would require doctors performing abortions to be board-certified OB-GYNs and to have admitting privileges at a local hospital in case a woman undergoing an abortion needs to be immediately hospitalized. The House previously passed the bill, and after a comment period it goes to Republican Gov. Phil Bryant for his expected signature.

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Santorum Wins Mississippi and Alabama in Blow to Romney

Rick Santorum has won Republican primaries in Mississippi and Alabama, exit polls and vote tallies show--a surprising Deep South sweep that signals Santorum is consolidating support among the party’s conservatives.

Both of the wins were narrow: just a few points separated Santorum from rivals Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. The larger lesson of the night was that this long-running primary--far from leading the party to unite behind a favorite--has left Republicans divided stubbornly into thirds.

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