We have to make sure that we are a force for peace and stability in the world, and that we're prepared to defend freedom and the security of the American people.

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.