The effort to change Mississippi’s controversial state flag through legislation is likely over. Its demise comes from a somewhat unexpected source.

When Delbert Hosemann was elected as Lieutenant Governor in November, most viewed it as a move away from the conservatism extremism that has dominated state government for a decade.

During his tenure as Secretary of State and during his most recent campaign, Hosemann displayed little of the partisanship that divides Mississippians.

As for the flag, Hosemann’s position was that our state needed a flag all Mississippians could embrace, but said it was a decision that should be left up to the voter, not the Legislature.

But in recent weeks, there has been a groundswell of support for making the change via legislation.

Two largely conservative groups — The Mississippi Economic Council (essentially the state’s chamber of commerce) and the Delta Commission, whose power and influence has tilted heavily to conservative policies, both issued statements saying the Legislature should take on the responsibility of removing the flag.

That sentiment is evident in both chambers of the Legislature where it has gained support from both Republicans and Democrats.

Rather than a bill, the measure was presented as a joint resolution, which means both chambers would have to pass it.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.