Senate Conservative Coalition Opposes: Midweek Vacations

Tempers are flaring in the Republican-led Mississippi Senate where members of the Tea Party Senate Conservative Coalition seem to have gotten to the point where they will say and do anything just to annoy Lt. Governor Tate Reeves.

The Clarion-Ledger reports that Reeves is having meetings, as he does, with members of the Senate in preparation for the 2014 session. Of those not invited are members of the Coalition. Reeves is treating members of the Coalition like a parent of kids throwing a tantrum by ignoring them. Even Coalition member Michael Watson (R-Pascagoula) suggested he couldn't care less with whom Reeves has his meetings or where Reeves has "midweek vacations."

Members of the Coalition came out this week in support of their leader's candidacy for the United States Senate. Noticeably absent from the list of those issuing an endorsement was Senator Josh Harkins (R-Flowood), who is also a Coalition member. We recently noted that given Rankin County's proximity to the Mississippi Republican establishment may make things rather uncomfortable for Harkins. Seems like we were right.

All of this is building up to be an opportunity for Reeves to flex his muscles by mowing down Chris McDaniel and his Tea Party colleagues in the upcoming session. If McDaniel is looking for a pet bill to push through the Senate before the Republican primary, he is likely out of luck. McDaniel will have to show his conservative credentials by giving stump speeches like this gem from Biloxi.