It was a typical sweltering Mississippi summer day when I first heard the junior U.S. senator from Mississippi, Roger Wicker, speak at the Neshoba County Fair. We are both from Pontotoc, but our paths had never crossed before then.
It was exciting to finally meet the man who had transformed his upbringing into a life of public service, representing not only Mississippians but all Americans. We have encountered each other multiple times since then, and Sen. Wicker hasn’t changed.
That is one of his hallmarks – leadership that is steady and sure.
Mississippi is constantly subjected to outside judgment and flagrant misconception. However, despite what many people might say, Mississippi has improved throughout the last few decades. Sure, we aren’t where we want to be, but Sen. Wicker brings nearly three decades of policy experience to take our state further.
During his time as Ole Miss student body president, he focused on improving the school for future generations. He took the leadership skills he developed on campus and has been cultivating them ever since.
His position as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee from 2015 to 2017 speaks to his reputation as a leader among his colleagues in the U.S. Senate.
In addition to his tenure and positions, Sen. Wicker has always been a dependable advocate for the National Rifle Association and the Second Amendment.
He is one of the most pro-life senators, not to mention his unwavering support for quality healthcare and representation for military veterans.
President Donald Trump and more than 60 of the Trump campaign county committee chairs here in the state have endorsed Sen. Wicker in the upcoming election. His resolve to confirm more conservative judges indicates his wishes to leave a legal system that will work for Mississippians for years to come.
Sen. Wicker devotes himself to representing our whole state in the U.S. Senate. In Mississippi, it is imperative for us to have someone in Washington representing our unique interests – someone we can call upon for dependable federal emergency funds when a hurricane strikes the coast, the Delta experiences flooding or Northeast Mississippi sees a bout of severe weather.
Mississippi needs someone who will not seek to make enemies but will work in a bipartisan fashion to accomplish common legislative goals. Sen. Wicker is that person.
He isn’t a wildcard candidate with an unpredictable lifestyle or an impractical platform. Sen. Wicker is ready for a fight, and he seeks to challenge those who stand in the way of progress, not those who are trying to accomplish it.
Regardless of the mudslinging that this campaign season will inevitably bring, remember that Sen. Wicker has been fighting in the trenches for the Magnolia State and its interests for decades. Many seeking this seat have not.
Hunter Fooshee is a junior anthropology major from Pontotoc.
