The "Vote for Business Bandwagon" stopped in Meridian Monday to announce the endorsement of Sen. Roger Wicker by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

"He has been a long supporter of the issues which have been important to us and the business community around the country, and so it's really an easy endorsement," said chamber spokesman, Moore Hallmark.

"I very much appreciate it, because I know it comes on the behalf of 3 million businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States of America," Wicker said.

Wicker, who supports stricter measures to combat illegal immigrants in the workforce, says he is pro-business and his record shows it.

"We can create more jobs in the United States of America in the oil sector, and we can become more energy independent, by drilling here in the United States and drilling now," said Wicker. "And that will result in us paying less at the pump."

Wicker will face former Mississippi governor, Ronnie Musgrove, the Democratic nominee, in the Nov. 4 election. The winner of the race will fill the remaining four years of Lott's term.

Musgrove's campaign was contacted Monday for information about his endorsements. A response was not immediately available. However, his campaign did release his schedule for Aug. 12, when he will be spending time on the Gulf Coast.

Musgrove will tour the Pearl River County Courthouse, speak to Bay High School, tour the Hancock County Courthouse, speak with local residents at Phoenicia Gourmet Restaurant, and tour the Jackson County Courthouse