Democrat John Arthur Eaves Jr. hosting fundraiser for Republican Sen. Roger Wicker

Politics can make strange bedfellows: Former Democratic gubernatorial nominee John Arthur Eaves Jr. is hosting a big fundraiser at his Madison home for incumbent Republican Sen. Roger Wicker.

The Tuesday fundraiser will include special guest Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, the third-ranking member of the Senate leadership and chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

Eaves, an internationally known trial lawyer, said he is still a Democrat, but he supports Wicker, who he says has always had an open door and "put Mississippians first in his politics, ahead of party."

"Sen. Wicker has been there, doors open, for me and a lot of Mississippians who have needed help," Eaves said. "Whether it's Mississippi body shops in a struggle or Mississippians injured by cruise lines, he's always been willing to meet and listen. He doesn't always do what I ask or agree with me, but he's willing to meet and listen. He has responded to help after hurricanes. He's not a flashy guy, but he gets the job done."

Eaves won the 2007 Democratic gubernatorial primary, losing the general election to former Republican Gov. Haley Barbour, who was seeking his second term. Eaves received 42 percent of the vote. His father, former state legislator John Arthur Eaves Sr., ran as a Democrat for governor in 1975, 1979 and 1987, losing in the Democratic primary each time.

Eaves said he is "still proud to have a Democratic philosophy, but I believe in putting the people of Mississippi before party." He said he supports Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, who he calls a "close friend," and will be supporting Democratic Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton in his bid for U.S. Senate this year. Shelton is running in the special election for the seat vacated earlier this month by Sen. Thad Cochran.

There are six Democrats running for the seat Wicker holds.

Wicker campaign spokesman Justin Brasell said: "Roger Wicker has been an effective and responsive senator for all Mississippians, and our campaign enjoys a broad base of support in the state. We will continue reaching out to independents and conservative Democrats as we build a winning coalition for November."

Eaves said he currently has no desire to re-enter politics.

"I feel good about where me and my wife and family are right now," Eaves said, adding that he is focusing on the opioid crisis through his law firm. "I think we have a lot of good people running for office, and I'm always open to hearing more from them, as long as they are putting Mississippians first."