Agriculture Commissioner Lester Spell overcame the stench of the beef plant to barely win reelection. Democrat Rickey Cole and Constitution Party candidate Paul Leslie Riley couldn't overcome the power of incumbency and the party label.
We have long editorialized that these posts should be appointed. In fact, this post could go away with little real impact on state government. But it shows again that voters just don't pay attention to these down-ticket offices or the performance of those who hold them. I think voters voted for Spell because they knew the name, probably had voted for him before and/or just because he was a Republican.
Spell's missteps have cost taxpayers dearly. If $55 million in losses on the beef plant can't beat an incumbent ag commissioner, I don't know what can. Start naming those buildings at the fairgrounds after him. He is now commissioner for life.
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Most of what you say is right on target, but I think there's at least something to be said for Rickey Cole's reputation as state Democratic Party head, aptly described in the Scott County Times in November of 2003 that I quoted from in an earlier blog. I can't believe that had absolutely no effect.
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