‘Of Course’ Trent Lott Would Support McDaniel If He Wins GOP Nomination

Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., announces his retirement from Congress, during a news conference in Jackson, Miss., on Monday, Nov. 26, 2007. Lott, who is capping off a 35 years in the House and Senate, will resign his Sen... Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., announces his retirement from Congress, during a news conference in Jackson, Miss., on Monday, Nov. 26, 2007. Lott, who is capping off a 35 years in the House and Senate, will resign his Senate seat before January. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) MORE LESS
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Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS), a supporter of Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS), said “of course” he would support Cochran challenger Mississippi state Sen. Chris McDaniel (R) if McDaniel wins the Republican nomination.

Lott, in an interview with MSNBC’s Chuck Todd on Tuesday, said he’s “pulling” for Cochran.

“We need him. He is a very thoughtful gentle man. He does a lot for our state and our country without being pushy and nasty about it,” Lott said of Cochran. “If he doesn’t win the primary — I certainly hope he does, then certainly I’m going to reach out and try to work with Chris McDaniel.”

Lott’s comments came the morning of the runoff election between Cochran and McDaniel. Most polls have shown McDaniel with some kind of lead over Cochran.

Lott himself has supported Cochran’s re-election campaign and been taped in ads supporting the incumbent senator. If McDaniel wins the nomination, he will face former Rep. Travis Childers (D-MS) in the general election.

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