JACKSON -- State Auditor Stacey Pickering was not asked Monday during an appearance at the Mississippi State Stennis Institute/capitol press corps luncheon about his future plans.

The monthly event brings together newsmakers, journalists, lobbyists and others to break bread. It has almost become a custom to ask the speaker about future political plans.

Pickering was not asked Monday. Maybe I should have asked, but I was waiting on someone else to pop the question.

At any rate, there is less speculation about whether the first-term Republican auditor will choose in 2011 to seek another office -- such as lieutenant governor or governor.

But Pickering makes an attractive candidate. He is one of the better communicators on the Mississippi political scene and he has a firm grasp of issues.

Plus, he comes off as comfortable in his own skin. Sometimes, politicians do not.