With just over two weeks until the primary elections June 3, state Sen. Chris McDaniel, who is seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, appeared before Brookhaven voters to energize his supporters and try to steer uncertain voters to his side.

“This is our moment. It is our line in the sand,” said McDaniel.

To win the Republican nomination, McDaniel will have to unseat incumbent U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., in the election, a tall order given numerous poll predictions. Still, McDaniel expressed optimism as he spoke to local residents.

McDaniel expressed a deep criticism of Cochran, who McDaniel suggested was “too liberal” for the party. Citing a high national debt, wasteful spending and a sense of complacency in office, McDaniel told area residents that he was the best conservative candidate for the job.

After traveling all across the state during the day, McDaniel was particularly animated regarding social issues, character and culture.

“Our culture is being degraded. That leads to our character being degraded. Eventually, your role in government is then degraded. This is what we need to change,” McDaniel said.

Agenda items McDaniel said he will address if elected include the repeal of Obamacare, further protection of Second Amendment rights, the elimination of the national debt and protection against tax increases.

“Our party needs a wakeup call. When was the last time Thad Cochran fought for you? When? It’s our time,” McDaniel said.

Mississippi voters will have their say at the ballot boxes on June 3. Besides Cochran and McDaniel, there is a third candidate on the Republican primary ballot for the U.S. Senate post, Thomas L. Carey.