Republican secretary of state nominee Delbert Hosemann may have hilarious campaign ads - an elderly lady calling him "Dilbert" - but neither he nor the job is a joke. Both merit serious voter attention.

 

Hosemann takes the ribbing in the popular ads because his name is not flashy, but neither is the secretary of state job. The post is probably one of the most dry as dust and wide-ranging in state government, requiring foremost rock solid integrity.

 

Voters must ask themselves who they trust to look after their rights, in access to government through elections which the secretary oversees and administrative laws which he administers, to watching over 16th Section trust lands for schoolchildren, and ensuring tidelands are protected and top dollar is returned from them, among other duties.

 

Mississippi has been blessed by outstanding officeholders such as the current one, Eric Clark, and Dick Molpus before him, leaders who have put the people first.

 

Since Molpus and Clark have championed the people, making government more accessible and accountable, it has come to be known as "the people's post."

 

Hosemann, 60, a Jackson real estate developer and attorney, promises to uphold the tradition of the fair and impartial oversight of Mississippians' rights and access.

 

One of the best endorsements Hosemann has received is from one he defeated in the Aug. 7 primary, state Rep. Mike Lott, R-Petal: "The secretary of state will be the chief elections officer for all voters, not just for one political party. That is why it is important to elect someone who understands this and who will commit himself to protecting the right to vote for every U.S. citizen who lives in Mississippi," Lott said.

 

Hosemann is the right man for the job, as he notes: "Our campaign is one about cleaning up elections, passing meaningful and constitutional voter ID, fairly managing the public land that funds our schools, and making Mississippi a more friendly place to start and maintain a small business."

 

That's a fair platform, one that covers the interests of all Mississippians.

Hosemann has stiff competition with veteran former state legislator and present Realtor and accountant Rob Smith, 56, of Richland. The Democrat has served this area admirably in the Legislature.

 

But Hosemann edges out Smith in his businesslike approach to the job. He has advocated appointing a task force to work with the Legislature on passing a voter ID bill that would be constitutional, enforceable and fair to all. He notes that polls show that providing ID at the polls to prevent voter fraud is supported by members of both parties overwhelmingly, including minorities.

 

Promising openness in government, he plans to list all 16th Section land leases on the Internet, so citizens will know "who's got them, how much they are paying... and when the lease is coming due."

 

He wants to update antiquated business laws and keep tidelands as a "sacred trust."

The choice is clear Nov. 6. The best candidate is Dilbert .... er, Delbert Hosemann.

 

No joke!

 

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