Herman Cain made a brief campaign stop in Greenville on Thursday. But the former Republican presidential candidate wasn’t campaigning for himself or any of the current GOP presidential candidates.

He was at Bates House of Turkey to endorse Kathy Peterson for president of the Alabama Public Service Commission.

“At one of our other stops a reporter asked me why I was supporting a candidate in a statewide race,” Cain said. “I told him because I believe in the person running in the statewide race, and not only that, we need the right people in the federal offices, but we also have to have the right people at the state and local levels.”

The Alabama Public Service Commission’s stated mission is “to ensure a regulatory balance between regulated companies and consumers in order to provide consumers with safe, adequate and reliable services at rates that are equitable and economical.”

Cain, a Georgia businessman and former chief executive of Godfather’s Pizza, said Alabama needs the “right person to maximize the resources in Alabama,” and he believes Peterson is that person.

“No. 1 she’s a problem solver like me,” he said. “Secondly, she will be a bold leader.”

Peterson said she never intended to seek political office, but that someone had to “step up and do what’s right.”

“We need someone who will stand up and speak out,” she said.

Peterson said if elected she will be an advocate for low utility rates that make Alabama competitive in bringing industries and jobs to the state.

She said she would implement “a better system” to help senior citizens on a fixed income, and call for special rate hearings with audits within six months of taking office.

“The federal government has taken too much power from the states,” Cain said. “The federal government has taken too much power from the people. When the power comes back, we need to have the right people looking out for the people of Alabama and not for the politicians.”

Peterson, of Shelby County, is battling for the GOP nomination for PSC against Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh and Chip Brown.

The primary election is March 13. The winner will go on to face incumbent PSC president Lucy Baxley in the fall general election.