The 2007 Mississippi State edition of the National Political Awareness Test (NPAT) has been sent to all candidates for state office in Mississippi.

The National Political Awareness Test asks candidates one central question: ''Are you willing to tell citizens your positions on the issues you will most likely face on their behalf?'' If they answer "yes" we ask them to prove it by responding to a series of questions about these issues.

The Mississippi version of the NPAT included questions regarding the use of eminent domain for the purpose of private development, the employment of undocumented immigrants, smoking bans in the state, the death penalty, access to health care and the licensing of gun possession. To view the entire Mississippi State NPAT please visit: The Mississippi State NPAT

Unfortunately, for the past 10 years response rates to the NPAT have fallen drastically. Until now, we have relied entirely on mainstream media organizations to pressure candidates into responding to the NPAT. This year though, we are hoping to bombard candidates with these requests, from a variety of sources, including bloggers and individual citizens.

I am writing today to encourage you, if you're from Mississippi, or follow Mississippi politics to call the candidates for office that are seeking your support and ask them to fill out the NPAT.

The contact information for all of the candidates for office in Mississippi can be found at: Mississippi State Candidates.