Lost in the avalanche of campaign finance numbers that were released last week is this noteworthy fact: Just out of the gate as a statewide candidate, recently appointed Sen. Roger Wicker (R) raised more money than any other Senate candidate in the first three months of the year.

Wicker reported taking in more than $3.06 million and had more than $2.7 million on hand as of March 31. Even taking away the more than $500,000 he transferred from his House account, Wicker still raised more money than any Senate candidate in the quarter.

“It is clear that our vision for creating more and better jobs, rebuilding from Katrina bigger and better than ever, and protecting America in the war on terror, compared to the liberal Democrats’ failed policies of higher taxes and big government is resonating with voters,” Wicker said in a statement.

Wicker faces a potentially formidable opponent in former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D). Musgrove reported raising $449,000 in the first three months of the year and banked $337,000.

— Josh Kurtz