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Carmichael has been more specific. In his TV spots, he stresses streamlining Mississippi's bafflingly complicated government, requiring all students to stay in school until the eighth grade, and redrafting the 85-year-old state constitution. At times Carmichael's "issues campaign," which has great appeal among college students and businessmen, has backfired. After the recent attempts to assassinate President Ford, he declared, "It is time we start licensing handguns." When gun enthusiasts howled in protest, Carmichael explained: "What I actually want to do is legalize the handgun in Mississippi" by issuing permits to allow "law-abiding citizens" to carry concealed weapons.
Attracting Youth. As of last week, Finch enjoyed a sizable but diminishing lead. Republican strategists claim that in the three weeks since Finch accepted Eastland's endorsement, his firm support has held steady at about 30%, while Carmichael's has risen from 15% to 27%; the rest of the voters are said to be undecided. But even if he loses, Carmichael may well help Mississippi Republicans. By running strongly, says his press aide, Bill Crawford, "Carmichael will draw a lot of young people—and more attractive candidates—to the Mississippi Republicans."