As the new year begins the National Republican Congressional Committee is making a series of adjustments to its Young Guns campaign program, including bumping Mississippi state Sen. Alan Nunnelee (R) to “Contender” status on Wednesday.

Nunnelee, who is hoping to knock off Rep. Travis Childers (D) in Mississippii’s northern 1st district, has now achieved the second level of the committee’s three-tiered campaign and infrustructure progam. The committee added him to the Young Guns program in late October.

Nunnelee has proven to be a solid fundraiser and has earned a campaign contribution from Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and the endorsement of Mike Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas who sought the 2008 Republican presidential nomination and is considered a possible 2012 White House contender.

Still, Nunnelee may not have the primary field to himself. Former Eupora Mayor Henry Ross has said he will enter the race, which could drain GOP resources and divert focus away from the general election.