Republicans are upset about the wrong aspect of former Sen. Neria Douglass’ election as state auditor. Instead of decrying Douglass’ partisanship and questioning her independence, they should question her ability to perform the job.

Douglass lost her state Senate seat to Lois Snowe-Mello on Nov. 2. Last week, her Democratic colleagues chose her as their candidate for state auditor, a position selected by members of the Legislature.

While seeking the office, Douglass appealed in a letter to her partisan allies for support. That appeal, which used common political rhetoric about protecting Democratic programs and majorities, didn’t sit well with members of the Republican Party who called the letter “inappropriate.”

Maine’s auditor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer are all nominated and elected by the Legislature, typically in party-line votes. It doesn’t strike us as particularly strange that nominees would appeal to their parties for support. When the Legislature elects the state’s constitutional officers, there aren’t “swing voters” who need to be persuaded. It’s a partisan affair.

Douglass has shown herself to be an able lawmaker and the Sun Journal supported her re-election to the Senate. She has been a good advocate for the area and the state. But she lacks some of the training and experience necessary to be an effective state auditor.

To overcome the gaps on her resume, Douglass, a lawyer, plans to become certified and perform an internship in the Controller’s Office. She has six months to get up to speed.

Republicans had put forward Dick Foote, the deputy auditor and a certified public accountant with a master’s degree in accounting, for the post. He certainly has the professional qualifications for the job.

If there’s a complaint to be made against Douglass, it’s that she doesn’t, as of yet, have the qualifications to do an important job. Hopefully, she’ll get the required training and do a great job. But concerns over her qualifications are real.