Scientific research and other studies have demonstrated that arts education can enhance American students' math and language skills and improve test scores which in turn increase chances of higher education and good jobs in the future.

However Cochran has considerable influence behind the scenes especially in Mississippi. This made him the first Republican to win a statewide election in Mississippi in a century. As of 2010 he is the sixth-longest currently serving Senator and the third longest-serving Republican.

Cochran is the fourth most-senior Senator and the second most-senior Republican member. William Thad Cochran (born December 7 1937) is the senior United States Senator from Mississippi and a member of the Republican Party.