The race for state auditor pits Republican Jim Zeigler against Democrat Miranda Joseph.
Joseph says her accounting degree and her work as an internal auditor for a Birmingham bank make her the most qualified candidate. Zeigler says his background as a lawyer makes him uniquely qualified because there are legal implications to most things in state government.
Both candidates are making their second run for auditor. That's the only office Joseph has ever sought. But Zeigler has run many races for state office, winning only one. That was a contest for the Public Service Commission in 1974. His other close races for treasurer, state Supreme Court, civil appeals court and auditor earned him the nickname "Mr. 49 Percent."
