This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28011182
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| US Republican Thad Cochran beats Mississippi Tea Party rival | US Republican Thad Cochran beats Mississippi Tea Party rival |
| (about 9 hours later) | |
| US Republican Senator Thad Cochran, who is seeking re-election, has narrowly beaten a Tea Party candidate in a high-profile primary in Mississippi. | US Republican Senator Thad Cochran, who is seeking re-election, has narrowly beaten a Tea Party candidate in a high-profile primary in Mississippi. |
| Mr Cochran, a six-term senator, had the backing of establishment Republicans but was forced into a run-off by Tea Party challenger Chris McDaniel. | Mr Cochran, a six-term senator, had the backing of establishment Republicans but was forced into a run-off by Tea Party challenger Chris McDaniel. |
| The race was seen as a crucial test of the direction of the Republican Party ahead of midterm elections in November. | The race was seen as a crucial test of the direction of the Republican Party ahead of midterm elections in November. |
| Moderate Republican candidates also won primary races in Oklahoma and Colorado. | Moderate Republican candidates also won primary races in Oklahoma and Colorado. |
| The BBC's Beth McLeod in Washington says Thad Cochran's victory, although narrow, will come as a relief for moderates who were faced with a challenge from hardline conservative groups within the party. | The BBC's Beth McLeod in Washington says Thad Cochran's victory, although narrow, will come as a relief for moderates who were faced with a challenge from hardline conservative groups within the party. |
| Earlier this month, establishment Republicans suffered the shock defeat of former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor by a little-known Tea Party challenger in his Virginia district. | Earlier this month, establishment Republicans suffered the shock defeat of former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor by a little-known Tea Party challenger in his Virginia district. |
| In a brief speech, Mr Cochran thanked those who supported him. | |
| "It's a group effort, it's not a solo, and so we all have a right to be proud of our state tonight," he said. | "It's a group effort, it's not a solo, and so we all have a right to be proud of our state tonight," he said. |
| The 76-year old is expected to retain his seat in November's congressional elections. | The 76-year old is expected to retain his seat in November's congressional elections. |