Georgia's 2004 Election Is Likely To Be A Barn-Burner

Let me tell you, Georgia politics is getting interesting. There is no question but that the political scenery in Georgia took a real hit in the last election, when Georgia elected a Republican Governor for the first time in 130 years, and elected a Republican Senator over a long-time Democrat that most political pundits said was unbeatable, and elected some to Congress in districts that had, theoretically, been made safe for Democrats by the Georgia legislature. But if that was not shock enough, now comes the second wave.

This second wave of political upheaval started when Zell Miller announced he would not run for re-election to the U. S. Senate. Immediately 6th District Representative Johnny Isakson jumped in that race. Then former 7th District Congressman Bob Barr said he would likely run for Isakson's House seat. Congressman Mac Collins is considering the run for Senate, although he hasn't announced. From down Savannah way Congressman Jack Kingston is being encouraged to run for the Senate seat, but he is number five in Republican leadership in the U. S. House of Representatives, and has a key slot on the Appropriations Committee, and in that position just might have more power than he would in the Senate. In addition to these fairly familiar names, now comes a wave of younger political types who have shown they, too, can be effective leaders: State Senator Eric Johnson, who has ties to Gainesville; Senate Majority Leader Tom Price, State Senator Chuck Clay and at least a half-dozen others.

The amazing thing about all this is that every potential candidate I have mentioned thus far is a Republican. They have proven political skills, and a sound track record. Every one of them is electable if squared off with a Democrat.

Meantime, the Democrats are scrambling to come up with a candidate for the Senate. Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor is said to be considering the race, and so is Attorney General Thurbert Baker and Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. Two of the most appealing Democrats, Secretary of State Cathy Cox and Gainesville native Lewis Massey, a former Secretary of State, have so far said they are not interested.

There's only one thing you can really count on about the upcoming election of 2004: It's going to be a barn-burner.

This is Gordon Sawyer, and may the wind always be at your back.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/3/182269