Britt Cobb Becomes New State Ag Commissioner

During Monday's swearing-in ceremony, Cobb became the state's new Agriculture Commissioner. His appointment caps off a tumultous year for the Agriculture Department.

Former Ag Commissioner Meg Scott Phipps resigned her post for her involvement in a campaign finance scandal and later convicted on state and federal charges.

Cobb won praise for his handling of the process of selecting a midway operator for the state fair. Officials say the 2003 State Fair was one of the most profitable fairs in the state's history.

"We are going down a very good path. We are making some great progress and excellent programs," Cobb said. "We have other ideas in mind down the way. I think it is a new day and we have new ground to plow."

When Cobb originally became interim Ag commissioner, he said he would not run in 2004. Since then, he backed down from that statement. He said he may run for the commissioner's seat next year.