Stokes exits Ga. gov's race to run for lt. gov

ATLANTA (AP) Former Democratic state Sen. Connie Stokes says she's no longer running for Georgia governor now that Jason Carter is in the race, choosing instead to launch a campaign for lieutenant governor.

Stokes said in a statement Thursday that she is looking forward to joining Carter in "seeking a new direction for Georgia." Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter and a state lawmaker from Atlanta, announced his plans to run for governor earlier Thursday.

Stokes served as a floor leader for former Gov. Roy Barnes. She says Georgia needs leaders who have the right priorities and said the Republican agenda has strained the state's economy.

Stokes is 59-year-old business management consultant from in Lithonia. Democrats will be looking for an opening after Republicans claimed every statewide office in 2010.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/11/267625