Simpson resigning as public safety commissioner

JACKSON — The commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety says he is resigning the post next week.

In a statement late Friday, Steve Simpson said he’s notified Gov. Haley Barbour of his plans to resign effective Feb. 15. Last month, he launched his campaign as a Republican for attorney general.

Democrat Jim Hood, who’s in his second term as attorney general, has already said he’s seeking re-election.

Simpson is a former prosecutor and circuit court judge in coastal Harrison County. Barbour appointed Simpson as public safety commissioner in April 2008.