LAKE DIXIE SPRINGS – U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran visitedsouthwest Mississippi Friday in an effort to help add anotherRepublican to the state’s congressional ranks.

Cochran said District Attorney Dunn Lampton, GOPcandidate for 4th District U.S. Representative, will bring a”conservative and thoughtful approach” to solving the country’sproblems. The senator touted Lampton’s record and success asdistrict attorney as one example of his abilities.

“He will translate that experience … into effectivelegislation in Washington,” Cochran said while speaking to Lamptonsupporters during a gathering at Mike and Lu Becker’s lakefronthome on a hot and humid Friday evening.

Eliminating the estate tax is one area where Lampton’shelp is needed, Cochran said. With Lampton, a “no” vote would beturned into a “yes” vote.

“It is certainly something that needs to be addressed,”Cochran said. “The unfairness of that is clear.”

Curbing or eliminating the estate or death tax, Cochransaid, would give people an incentive to work longer and invest and,when they die, not pass on a heavy tax burden to theirchildren.

Lampton could also help bring about other legislationthat is right for the state and country, Cochran said.

Cochran said Lampton supports defense and militaryimprovement, rural development and continued transportation fundingenhancements.

The senator said more rural infrastructure is needed anda new transportation funding formula was a step in the rightdirection for Mississippi. Under the new formula, Cochran said thestate will receive about $100 million more thanpreviously.

“I was glad we could help bring some of that money backto the state,” Cochran said.

Lampton, who faces Democratic Rep. Ronnie Shows in theNovember general election, contrasted the candidates’ relationshipswith congressional leaders. The challenger said the fact thatCochran could attend Friday’s event says a lot for hiscampaign.

“I’m proud of our Republican leadership in Congress andthe Senate,” Lampton said. “I’m proud that they can comedown.”

Lampton said Shows, though, was not present when HouseMinority Leader Dick Gephardt was in the state recently for afund-raiser for state Democratic congressional candidates. Lamptonrepeated a familiar phrase about Shows’ relationship with theparty’s leadership.

“Ronnie Shows runs with the liberals in Washington andhe runs from them in Mississippi,” Lampton said.