Well, I think the president is going to do well in terms of his influence for positive change here in the Congress, making sure that we don't overspend, making sure that we spend for only those programs that are justified.

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.