The position of Lieutenant Governor in the State of Mississippi is one
of the most powerful L.G. offices in the country – and the open seat is
proving to be one of the most critical L.G. races of the cycle.  Here’s
a take on the race on the issue of open government from the Associated
Press:

How open is Mississippi government?
The 2007 statewide elections will help answer that question for the next four
years.

The lieutenant governor’s race
is particularly important because the winner will preside over the state
Senate, appoint committee chairmen and assign bills to committees —
powers that give Mississippi’s second-highest elected official great
leeway in deciding the fate of every policy proposal at the Capitol.

The lieutenant governor’s
contest is wide open because the incumbent, Republican
Amy Tuck, is term-limited and could not seek re-election.

Three candidates are jostling to
succeed Tuck. State Auditor Phil Bryant
and state Sen. Charlie Ross, both of
Brandon, are competing for the Republican nomination. The winner of the Aug. 7
primary will face Democratic
state Rep. Jamie Franks of Mooreville in the Nov. 6 general election.