Palin on MS Sen. Runoff: Grassroots Conservatives 'Shocked Political World'

After conservative Mississippi state Senator Chris McDaniel forced a runoff on Tuesday night against six-term incumbent Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS), former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin hailed it as a shocking victory for the grassroots. 

Last Friday, Palin made a last-minute appearance with McDaniel in his home county — Jones Country — and 2,000 people showed up at the event with less than 24 hours notice. As Breitbart News reporter Matthew Boyle observed, crowds even swarmed Palin when they saw her getting lunch at a local diner after the event with McDaniel’s campaign.

That county saved McDaniel on Tuesday by giving him 85% of the vote combined with a massive turnout.

“Tonight is a victory for grassroots conservatives who came together and shocked the political world,” Palin said. “Together, mighty Mississippians can send this son of Mississippi to fight for all of us.”

Palin said the U.S. Senate needs a “constitutional conservative” like McDaniel who is a “proven, intelligent, conscientious, very bold fighter who brings new energy and perspective to economic and security challenges.”

“Chris has the will and ability to advance positive reform in Washington,” Palin said. “He’s the reinforcement we’ve promised real leaders including Senators Mike Lee and Ted Cruz.”

Ahead of the June 24 runoff, Palin urged McDaniel’s supporters to “stay engaged with laser-like focus on Chris’ positive message and agenda that propels Mississippi and helps save America.”