The candidate who became so popular statewide after his “It’s Delbert, ma’am” commercials was in Laurel seeking support Friday.

Delbert Hosemann, a Republican, is running against Democrat Rob Smith for the Secretary of State’s seat. Incumbent Eric Clark, of Taylorsville, is not running for another term.

Hosemann, who said running a campaign is much like beginning a new business, said he is finally to the “fun part” of elections. He said the campaigning is enjoyable because he visits with people across the entire state.

“Y’all are full employment here,” Hosemann said as he discussed Jones County’s economy. “I’m seeing it all around the state except for a couple of exceptions.”

Hosemann said the entire state seems to be doing well, especially with the announcement of a new Toyota manufacturing facility. He said this type of facility could be possible in any community that has a good work force and the willingness of people to work. Hosemann also said this foreshadows Mississippi’s future.

“Mississippi will have the most prosperous four years we’ve ever had these next few years,” he said.

But, he said, communities shouldn’t overlook locally-grown businesses like Sanderson Farms when growing an economy.

“I just see a healthy economy here,” Hosemann said. “Growing local is just as important as going to Japan to get one.”

Hosemann said one of the ways the Secretary of State’s office can help businesses involves the court system. With the current system, many Circuit Courts are filled with cases centering around businesses. Hosemann said he would create a new court system for business action, with judges paid for by filing fees. He said his plan would have a target trial completion within 12 months.

“That would allow the circuit courts to have a speedy trial,” Hosemann said.

Hosemann is also for some major changes with how people vote in Mississippi, including Voter ID.

“Everybody I’ve talked to believes there are voting irregularities here (Mississippi),” he said.

He said he is finding little public opposition to Voter ID, and reminds people that 97 percent of voters have a driver’s license. He said the other three percent should be able to use other forms of identification, but the state must be careful to not leave anyone out of elections.

“If there’s one vote out there without ID, we need to find them,” Hosemann said.

Besides Voter ID, Hosemann said he is for recertification in all of Mississippi’s counties. He said voter rolls should be purged and records brought current. He said clean voter rolls and Voter ID would also help keep illegal immigrants from voting.