Sen. Roger Wicker made a campaign stop in Laurel Thursday at the Jones County Courthouse, meeting supporters and asking for their vote to permanently seat him in the United State Senate.

“We have been energized. There’s been a lot of enthusiasm. I am so humbled and pleased,” Wicker told the Leader-Call. “I know there is a lot of work to do.”

Wicker said he was joined Thursday by his father and uncle. He said various family members and supporters have traveled with him each day, and Wednesday he got the chance to tour the Gulf Coast with officials there.

“We were able to have a couple local officials on the coast on the bus with us to tour in Hancock and Harrison counties to see the ongoing recovery. The national media seem to think Mississippi has recovered, but we in Mississippi know it isn’t so,” Wicker said.

Wicker, who is actually holding the seat after his appointment by Gov. Haley Barbour, said he had to change hats some on his campaign tour.

“Occasionally you put on your public official hat and meet with local officials,” he said.

As far as ideas and plans in Jones County and the surrounding area, Wicker said he will continue doing what he has done as U. S. Congressman for the area around Tupelo.

“What I’ve already been doing,” Wicker said. “Work in partnership with local officials and local economic development leaders.”

Wicker said any time there is a significant economic development idea, it takes federal, state, and local officials working together to make it happen.

Wicker said he also recently heard warnings of a national recession. He said work should start now to minimize its impact here.

“We need to be sure it’s felt minimally in Mississippi,” he said.

Wicker also said he realizes many in Jones County feel strongly about certain national issues like national security, the War on Terrorism, and tax rates. He said he supports troops, and also supports veterans.