ONE: Without early voting, the turn-out won't be what might be expected. That means most (not all) incumbents should have the best name recognition.<br />
TWO: Many would-be voters are aggravated with the antics that shut down the government and cost a lot of money. That doesn't bode well with incumbents and despite better name recognition it might go against them.<br />
THREE: Voters as a whole are more moderate than the extremes on either side. They want to see positive results. Example: Democrats passed Obamacare so as Nancy Pelosi said: "pass it so we can see what it is." We saw and a majority didn't like it. On the other side, what I call "the children of the Tea Party (those who say "my way or no way" with no compromise) block progress. Good faith negotiations with one side giving up something it wants in exchange for something the other side wants. Democrats are far better than Republicans exercising this, getting what they really wanted "next year."<br />
FOUR: WINNERS and LOSERS: One thing is virtually certain. There will be some run-offs. For Senate, I expect to see a run-off between Jack Kingston and David Perdue (though Karen Handel may slip in instead of Kingston or Perdue). It's close. Another thing: Michelle Nunn will give whoever the GOP winner is a run for the money. I vaguely remember her as the young daughter of moderate Sen. Sam Nunn, a good friend (then and now) who helped me start the Small Business Development Centers now in every state and 8 foreign countries and still growing. He introduced and passed legislation authorizing them. Her advertising is free of throwing mud and is in simple understandable language. I could easily vote for her believing she'd so a great job but can't do it this time because her victory would deprive the GOP of its already tough chance to take over the Senate and get our government under control.<br />
He might find himself in a run-off, but I expect Gov. Nathan Deal ultimately to win re-election along with Case Cagle. My longtime friend who calls me his second father, House Speaker David Ralston is being challenged. I think he will win. (He's speaking to my Kiwanis Club June 19).<br />
There will be a number of run-offs for other state offices. Personally, I'll vote for Ashley Bell, talented speaker, attorney, and hard worker for State School Superintendent. It's a tough race with so many in it, but he could win a spot in a run-off. I don't know how Craig Lutz will do, but should he win, he'll do a bang-up job on the public utilities commission.<br />
Locally, Brian Sloan of Flowery Branch should win his spot on the Board of Education.<br />
Just remember: YOUR DON'T COUNT IF YOU DON'T VOTE. Get out there the 20th. <br />
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