Mississippi's new secretary of state, Republican Delbert Hosemann, won't take office until January but says he'll start working today on carrying out his platform for the next four years.

 

Hosemann said he's already working on voter reform plans, which include initiating early voting, voter identification and more regulation of ballot handling and election workers.

 

Hosemann defeated Democrat Rob Smith of Richland, based on unofficial returns.

 

"I'm just happy to be here to celebrate with so many of the people who put confidence in us," Hosemann said at a victory celebration at a hotel in downtown Jackson.

 

Hosemann succeeds Democrat Eric Clark, who did not seek re-election.

 

Though Hosemann, 60, will face several duties as secretary of state, his campaign drew the most attention for his stance on voter issues.

 

"I don't think that there is any one duty that is more important than the others, but I'm going to start immediately on voter reform," Hosemann said.

 

Smith said he is disappointed about the loss but is keeping his options open for another run at public office. He didn't elaborate.

 

"We tired and exhausted, but we're still proud in spirit," Smith said after the race was called.

 

Hosemann, a Jackson lawyer and businessman, said he hopes to have voter reform plans ready before the coming legislative term.

 

"Right now, we have dead people voting in Jeff Davis County," Hosemann said. "We have votes being sold for $20 in Benton County.

 

"People believe that their votes don't count."

 

Hosemann's first goal is to meet with legislators, circuit clerks, election commissioners and others to get their opinions, he said.

 

Though voter ID has been a debated issue in the state for years, including earlier this year, Hosemann said he has no reservations about promoting a uniform identification process.

 

Smith, 56, a real estate agent who served four years in the state House and 20 years in the state Senate, said he was thankful for the chance to run and the support he has received.

 

"You're always hurt, because you feel like you really have a desire to improve the quality of life for everyone in this state," he said. "I just thank God for this opportunity and the experience."

 

Smith did not present specific voter reform plans during his campaign, but he pushed the issue.

 

He said he thought the best way to reform would be by creating a task force made up of people from throughout the state who could give insight into voting problems and solutions.

 

"We need to come in with a task force that represents all of Mississippi and set up goals," he said.

 

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