U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker made stops in Meridian Friday, visiting Meridian Naval Air Station and the downtown area.

The Republican was appointed to take Trent Lott's seat on an interim basis in December. He's also a candidate for the permanent position. An election will be held for it in November.

Wicker said Meridian and NAS Meridian are important to national security and international stability.

"We're continuing to make the case to put those things in the future year's defense plan," said Wicker. "And make sure that we upgrade the runways. We were fortunate to be able to take a little Katrina money and repave all the roads there. We want Meridian Naval Air Station to always be state of the art, so no commission would ever put them on a base closure list again."

Former democratic governor, Ronnie Musgrove, is also running for that seat.