The State Political Earthquake

After months of hammering home the many problems within the Barnes administration, the teachers, preachers and business people hammered Barnes out of office. Now we see a picture of elected officials defecting the Democrat party and aligning themselves with the new power structure.

The Republicans now have a 30 to 26 majority in the Senate. This will effectively neutralize any power plays by the "Big Guy" Mark Taylor. As Taylor said in beating down Republicans over committee positions a few years ago, I say to Taylor today, "Cry Me a River". He is whining about how unfair it is that this is happening and those defectors ought to resign and run as a Republican. I have to say "take a seat Big Guy". Your arrogance has done you end like it has your boss.

So, now the control of the Senate is in Republican hands. What about control of the House of Representatives? My analysis is that Republicans are going to either have real control or de facto control of the House. We have elected a very smart, politically astute individual as our governor and I believe he will negotiate a POSITIVE RESULT.

HOW WILL GEORGIA ACHIEVE THIS POSITIVE RESULT?

It is reported that Rep. Terry Coleman has the "nod" from the Democrats to be the next Speaker of the House to replace Tom Murphy. Terry is a fine man and would probably do a very good job. On the surface, this looks like the way it will transpire.

BUT WAIT. Remember that we have a situation where the Republicans in the House still have a vote in who is the Speaker. Also, Terry Coleman has said that he would never establish a coalition with Republicans. Now, I ask you, is this the way to provide statesmanship-style leadership? Of course it isn't. It smacks of Daschle-style, do nothing leadership instead.

ON THE OTHER HAND, Rep. Larry Walker of Perry, would not take such a pledge. My take on this is that if Rep. Walker will work with the new administration that the Republicans will garner a very 'ample supply' of votes to elect Walker the new Speaker.

PREDICTION: Rep. Larry Walker will be elected as Speaker once the dust settles on January 13th if not sooner.

This state has long been divided and with the coalitions that are being built by the new administration I see that we can make real, substantive progress over the next few years. It will take time to get the job done. This new accountability must be taken seriously and we must, as citizens keep the progress moving in the 'right' direction!