The Washington Free Beacon’s Ellison Barber broke down two GOP senate primary contests Tuesday on Fox News.
In Iowa, senate candidate Joni Ernst is making waves after earning endorsements from Sen. Marco Rubio, Mitt Romney, (R., Fla.) and Sarah Palin. Barber said Ernst represents the best possibility for Republicans to unite the Tea Party and establishment in an important 2016 state.
However in Mississippi, things are not looking as bright for uniting the Tea Party with the broader Republican Party. Six term incumbent Sen. Thad Cochran (R., Miss.) is fighting for his political life against Tea Party challenger Chris McDaniel. Barber said the GOP base is upset with Cochran because of his record with respect to federal spending. Traditionally, bringing home "pork" to Mississippi has not been a huge issue in statewide political races. Although Barber noted McDaniel’s apparent traction in the race suggests the tide may be shifting.