The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has a long tradition of being the people’s advocate on consumer issues. There simply is nowhere else for residents to get the same level of help.

So when voters head to the polls Nov. 5, they need to choose someone who will follow in the tradition of Jennifer Granholm and Frank Kelley.

Gary Peters should be that choice.

Peters, a Democratic state senator from Bloomfield Township, sees the office as a place to continue protecting state residents from scams, unfair competition and corporate irresponsibility.

Peters’ major party opponent, Republican attorney general candidate Mike Cox, would shift the emphasis of the office. With a solid background in criminal matters, the Wayne County assistant prosecutor would like the attorney general to take on more of the state’s crime.

But the state already has locally elected prosecutors to deal with local crime issues. They know their communities best and should be the lead on criminal matters. The attorney general’s office only should play a supporting role, as it does now.

Gerald Van Sickle of the U.S. Taxpayers Party and Jerry Kaufman of the Green Party also are seeking the position.

Peters, an eight-year member of the state Senate, understands the important roles of the attorney general. He brings a unique perspective to the office as someone who knows the law - is an attorney and has worked as a securities arbitrator - and knows public policy.

But just because Peters wants to focus on consumer protection doesn’t mean he isn’t aware of crime issues.

Peters is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee and has supported numerous measures to strengthen laws addressing child abuse, terrorism and other criminal matters.

There’s a reason he has been endorsed by every major police union and association in the state.

Peters also is a strong advocate for civil rights. He supports affirmative action at public universities and is an advocate for amending the state civil rights act to add sexual orientation. The senator also supports civil unions.

When it comes to crime, Peters also sees the need to treat children who commit crimes in an appropriate way - as children.

Cox certainly is a qualified prosecutor and skilled attorney. But he’s simply out of touch with the responsibilities of the attorney general’s office.

Granholm and Kelley have set a standard for future attorneys general as stalwarts of the people - standing against corporate interests, scam artists and, at times, even the governor to look out for the state’s best interests.

Peters certainly is the best candidate to carry that torch.