This year's field of GOP candidates for statewide offices is wide, with most statewide offices, both open and incumbent, facing primary contests.

The Blogland has already endorsed Richard Eckstrom, the current Comptroller General, for re-election in the June 8 Republican Primary, and will announce a series of endorsements in the next few days.

However, candidates for three statewide races will face no primary opposition - incumbents Secretary of State Mark Hammond and Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers, as well as Adjutant General nominee Bob Livingston - and deservingly so, and we thank Republicans for ensuring that they will face free rides in the upcoming June primary.

Secretary of State Mark Hammond is unopposed in the primary for a third term in office. His efforts to ramp up enforcement of state laws regarding charity telemarketing fraud and counterfeit merchandise have helped protect the people of this state. He's earned the confidence of his party for another term, as well as another term in the fall against Democratic opposition.

Hugh Weathers was appointed Agriculture Commissioner when his predecessor was indicted and later convicted. He restored confidence in the agency and kept it focused on its mission, serving out that term and winning another. He has worked hard to keep his agency running without crying about budget cuts far worse than landed on other state agencies, which is commendable. Unopposed in the primary for his second election, he faces Democratic opposition.

Adjutant General nominee General Bob Livingston's distinguished military record made him a strong candidate to succeed outgoing Adjutant General Stan Spears. When Spears opted to retire after leading years of mobilizations of the state's Guard personnel in two conflicts, Livingston won the nomination by default and is unopposed in the fall as well. This will give the personnel of the office, along with the state's National and State Guard units, the stability and continuity to continue doing their part to keep their state and country safe.