Democratic ideals demand the direct election of Maine’s attorney general, secretary of state.

On Wednesday, the Legislature elected Janet Mills to be Maine’s Attorney General. As a Mainer, I am proud of the choice we made. For 15 months, I weighed this decision, amid heavy lobbying by the three AG candidates.

The attorney general is elected by a joint convention of the House and Senate, as are the secretary of state, state treasurer and state auditor. Maine is the only state that elects the attorney general in this manner.

Forty-three states select attorneys general by popular election, six allow their governor to appoint the AG and, in Tennessee, the state Supreme Court chooses its attorney general.

Republicans declined to name a candidate in Wednesday’s election and endorsed Mills, the Democratic choice. But as a practical matter, when the majority party in the Maine Legislature has a large or cohesive majority, its caucus chooses the attorney general.

On Thursday, a Sun Journal editorial recited some pros and cons of the current election system. Our selection of Mills, and the choice of Attorney General Steven Rowe eight years ago, suggests this process works.

(In full disclosure, I supported Janet Mills.)

The editorial asked whether evidence exists that the current process is broken. I think the question, instead, is how can Mainers best engage and participate in their government?

In our democracy, the governing principle of elections should be allowing people a direct voice in selecting their public servants. That principle is particularly relevant for this office, one of the most important in state government.

I believe all Mainers should have an opportunity to be part of the debate that the Legislature enjoyed. All Maine voters should have a say in the selection of their attorney general.

The 116 Democratic legislators were treated to a wonderful campaign by three great candidates: Mills, of Farmington, John Brautigam of Falmouth and Sean Faircloth of Bangor. Each has a resume full of accomplishment and experience. Each served as an assistant attorney general, as legislators each successfully sponsored new laws, and each has experience in private legal practice.

These are dedicated public servants. Mainers should be proud of all three.

The Democratic caucus was blessed with a vigorous contest for our votes. The 15 months during which I was lobbied began two months before I was elected to the Legislature. The AG candidates offered advice to legislative candidates, knocked on doors with them, and attended seemingly every Democratic function in Maine this summer.

I asked each candidate to answer 12 questions to gauge their background for the office and their legal, litigation and management experience. Their combined answers ran twenty-five pages and were a wealth of information that clearly portrayed each candidate’s passion and purpose.

Debate was detailed, at times contentious, briefly personal, but always vigorous. I enjoyed the process immensely. I am proud of my former colleagues who ran for the office, and impressed with their hard work and conviction. I have a much better appreciation for the important work done by the attorney general.

I am a better citizen for that knowledge.

Yet, that the Legislature elects the attorney general means that only 186 Mainers could vote. As a result, only those Mainers benefited from the full debate. This legislative prerogative is a remnant of a time when state legislators elected U.S. senators. The 17th Amendment to the Constitution provided for all voters to elect their senators.

Sen. Phil Bartlett of Gorham, the senate majority leader, Rep. Emily Cain of Orono and I will introduce a bill this session to provide for the direct election of Maine’s attorney general.

The attorney general is Maine’s chief law enforcement officer and top lawyer. It is a significant, important position.

All Mainers should have the opportunity to vote for the best person for the job.

Rep. Mike Carey, D-Lewiston, is starting his first full term representing House District 72.