DAILY LEADER / KATIE WILLIAMSON
U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., is greeted by Cindy Hyde-Smith (above left), the Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, outside of Poppa’s Fish House on Tuesday. Cochran spoke to a lunch meeting of civic clubs at the restaurant.

In the back of Poppa’s restaurant, U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran spoke to a group of excited supporters Tuesday. He was invited as a guest speaker for the joint meeting of the Lions and Servitium clubs.

Prominent state and city officials were in attendance, including Brookhaven Mayor Joe Cox, Mississippi Sen. Sally Doty and Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Cindy Hyde-Smith, all showing support for the 76-year-old incumbent Republican, who is currently serving his sixth term as U.S. senator.

Cochran said that he has enjoyed his time in office and has found the job to be a unique and challenging position. “I have the know-how and capacity to make you proud to be part of my re-election.”

Cochran is running against challenger state Sen. Chris McDaniel for the second time, since the first Republican primary on June 3 did not reveal a clear winner. Now the two will face off in a runoff June 24.

Meanwhile, Jeff Canton and Dustin Cothern from McComb, campaign for Cochran’s opponent, Republican state Sen. Chris McDaniel, on Highway 51 in front of the restaurant. The two veterans smiled and wave to passing cars while holding their candidate’s campaign signs. They were two of many McDaniel supporters actively campaigning outside in Brookhaven on Tuesday.

“We are confronted with serious business, and we need people who have a thoughtful approach,” said Cochran. He added that he would not make a judgment on McDaniel’s qualities; he’ll let people make their own decisions.

Cochran spent much of his day in the Lincoln County area Tuesday. The area public was also invited by to attend a meet-and-greet with him at the Old Wesson School and a meet and greet at the Lincoln County Livestock Sale Barn.

While Cochran was meeting with local club members and Republican colleagues in Poppa’s Tuesday, some of his opponents’ supporters showed up outside on Highway 51 North to hoist signs for McDaniel as cars passed by.

Jeff Canton and Dustin Cothern, from McComb, smiled and waved to passing cars while holding McDaniel campaign signs.

“We are concerned about the future of our country,” said Cothern.

The two said they felt Cochran is too old and does not represent Mississippi.