Today, people are a lot more focused on the big football game than on politics, and that’s understandable. I’m looking forward to watching America’s biggest sporting event on television tonight, too. But today’s game is also a real reminder of how important it is to keep our strongest, most experienced team competing to have the best opportunity for success — whether it’s a position on the football field or a position in political leadership.

U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran has dedicated his life to serving Mississippi in an unselfish way that has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a true statesman, not a politician. He is not someone who seeks praise on himself. His approach is about getting things accomplished for Mississippi — without trying to get the headlines. That is truly a rare and admirable trait in today’s politically-charged world.

Cochran’s experience has earned him high-ranking committee spots that greatly benefit Mississippi. Without him in these leadership positions, it would take many, many years to rebuild Mississippi’s influence on important U.S. Senate committees like Agriculture and Appropriations. The last thing we need right now is for Mississippi to lose any power or foothold we have in keeping our voice strong in Washington to counter the Obama administration.

From health care, agriculture and research to high-tech manufacturing, education and energy, Cochran has been a champion for economic growth efforts in every community of Mississippi. As governor, I’ve worked closely with him on numerous economic development initiatives that are providing more opportunities for our state. He continues to be instrumental working with me on bringing more jobs to Mississippi so people can provide for their families.

Cochran has been described as a quiet persuader. While that is a good characterization of his demeanor, the results of his work are not quiet at all. After Hurricane Katrina, Cochran’s work to help Mississippi was nothing short of heroic. He worked side-by-side with other Mississippi leaders to spearhead the effort to provide over $87 billion in supplemental federal assistance to states affected by the storm.

As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Cochran cares deeply about supporting our men and women in uniform, our veterans and their families. He has a strong record of helping to build and maintain our national defense and making sure Mississippi continues to play a key role in protecting our country’s national security.

As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Cochran has worked to make sure all branches of our Armed Forces are the best trained and equipped in the world, including support for military bases and installations in Mississippi, as well as helping the Navy’s shipbuilding programs in our state.

The issue of Obamacare is on the minds of everyone right now because of its harmful effects on our economy. This is another issue where Cochran has always been on the right side. He has consistently opposed Obamacare by voting to repeal or defund it more than 100 times. He’s actively working to stop Obamacare and he’s even introduced legislation to repeal it. He has also worked to reduce the national debt, eliminate burdensome regulatory policies and to get federal spending under control.

I expect during this campaign, there will be negative attacks designed to mislead voters about Cochran’s record. Here’s what I know to be true: Cochran is a pioneer of the Mississippi Republican Party and our conservative principles. Anyone who tells you differently is just not telling you the truth.

Cochran has a 100 percent anti-abortion rating from National Right to Life — the country’s largest anti-abortion organization. The National Federation of Independent Business, America’s largest small business association, gives him a 100 percent rating for his work to support small-business issues. The National Rifle Association has given Cochran an “A” rating for his support of our 2nd Amendment gun rights.

Clearly, Cochran has a record consistent with the conservative values of Mississippians. Our state has greatly benefited from Cochran’s leadership. In today’s volatile political environment combined with the dysfunction of the Obama administration in Washington, we need Cochran’s experience now more than ever.

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