/In bid for secretary of state, PSC’s Sam Britton sets up competitive GOP primary

In bid for secretary of state, PSC’s Sam Britton sets up competitive GOP primary

Britton (62 years old) is currently serving his first term in public service commissioner. He aims to succeed Delbert Hosemann as Secretary of State. Britton will be facing Sen. Michael Watson during the Republican primary. Watson was the only candidate from either party to declare for the office of secretary of state throughout the state, and he had been campaigning across the state for months. Britton said Monday that Delbert Hosemann has set a high standard for others to follow. “Everyone will be judged by Delbert Hosemann’s performance as you move into future,” Britton stated to reporters at the Capitol. Britton, a Laurel resident, and a CPA worked previously for the state’s auditor’s and tax commission. His campaign will be focused on maintaining integrity in elections and expanding the economy, he said. Governor. Watson, a well-known Pascagoula state senator, was honored with his endorsement. According to polls, Phil Bryant is the most popular Republican elected official of the state. Britton stated Monday that the governor was “an incredibly popular governor.” “I’m a fan of Governor Romney. When it comes down to it, this primary is Republican. The governor is free to select and back any candidate he wishes.” The qualifying deadline for candidates to run is March 1.