If Thad Cochran resigns, another headache for the Republicans

An early resignation by Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., for health reasons, something aides and allies insist is not imminent, could set up another front in the civil war that threatens to roil Republican primaries in 2018.

Insurgents preparing to challenge Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., next year are now eyeing the special election that would be called if Cochran stepped down. It's a concern for a Republican establishment faced with diverting resources from the general election to quash a rebellion initiated by Steve Bannon, President Trump's former chief strategist.

Cochran's office in Washington maintains that there is no cause for alarm about the senator's health, although the 79-year-old is being treated for unspecified "urological issues" and remains under medical supervision and aides concede that his work schedule could be impacted. This comes after a three-week absence from the Senate to allow for recovery.

"The fact of the matter is, he has been struggling for a long time, and everything is not hunky dory," a worried Republican insider said, on condition of anonymity in order to speak candidly.

"I think he's going to be just fine," Wicker countered, although he conceded that, at that point on Wednesday afternoon, he had yet to see or talk to Cochran. Of the resignation rumors, Wicker added: "There's nothing to that at all."