U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, left, visits with attendees of a campaign rally at Dumont Plaza in Meridian on Monday. Cochran urged supporters to turn out and vote today.

    At a campaign rally in Dumont Plaza in Meridian on Monday, Sen. Thad Cochran said he isn’t worried about voter backlash at the polls today from tea party supporters of State Sen. Chris McDaniel, who failed to unseat Cochran in the June 24 GOP primary runoff.    

    “I trust the people to make the decision on who to support, who to vote for,” Cochran said. “I’ve got experience and proven the kind of work product I am capable of.”

    There has been speculation by some as to whether or not Cochran, 76, who is seeking his seventh term, will serve the entire term if reelected.

     “I am determined to make it a successful experience serving another six years in the U.S. Senate,” Cochran said at the rally in which the guest speakers included Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and 3rd District Republican Rep. Gregg Harper, who is facing Democrat Douglas MacArthur Magee, Independent Roger Gerrard and Reform Party candidate Barbara Dale Washer.

    “I tell you I think I’m a hard campaigner, but I can’t keep up with Sen. Cochran this year,” Harper said. “He has been remarkable in his effort and his vision for Mississippi.”

    Cochran faces Democratic challenger Travis Childers and Reform Party candidate Shawn O’Hara.

    After the GOP runoff, McDaniel claimed voting irregularities and sought a new election in state court, but was unsuccessful. McDaniel also unsuccessfully appealed to the State Supreme Court.

    Some tea party faithfuls have vowed to vote for Childers in today’s election, prompting a call for unity today by some Republicans.

    “Tomorrow, we have an opportunity as Mississippians to send a message to people all across the country that we can come together and reelect our United States senator. Thad Cochran,” Reeves said.

    Voter turnout for midterm elections is typically lower than it is during presidential elections, and Cochran urged supporters to show up at the polls today.

     “We need a big turnout to make sure we win this election,” Cochran said. “We don’t want to leave it up to chance that other people are going to take care of it to show up to vote.”