Seth McLaughlin The Washington Times - December 6, 2013, 11:36AM

Sen. Thad Cochran, Mississippi Republican, ended the speculation about his political future Friday by announcing that he will seek a seventh term in the Senate, according to Gannett.

Mr. Cochran, 76, will square off against state Sen. Chris McDaniel — setting up another battle within the GOP between an establishment candidate and a tea-party backed challenger.

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Mr. Cochran is the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, was the former top Republican on the Appropriations Committee, and has served in Congress since 1973.