With Sen. Ralph Hudgens seeking the Insurance Commissioner post, one has to wonder who'll jump in for the race for District 47. We've already got one candidate on the Republican side in Tim Echols, who has long served as Rep. Paul Broun's campaign treasurer and resident hatchetman in the Athens Banner-Herald. Though I have no evidence or rationale to support this, I'm curious if James Garland would seek the seat. He's a solid conservative hailing more from the libertarian wing of the party, and the district would set up well for him.
On the Democratic side, it's just a tough district, but some names I've heard in the past day include ...
Tom Chasteen - The former Athens-Clarke County Commissioner would be a very strong candidate, but it would still be an uphill battle for him. He could, however, race a good chunk of money and would be a solid competitor.
Mike Smith - I think Smith, the current sheriff of Oglethorpe County, has the ideal profile for the race. However, he's never run a race that would require this much work, and there's no reason to think he'd want to give up a full-time job in law enforcement to pursue a part-time one for less money and more hassles.
Tim Riley - Two sources have told me he's considering making a second run for the seat, but I don't see it as feasible. He struggled to raise money last time around, and there's not much indication he could better that in 2010.
Laura Floyd - The president of the Oglethorpe County Democrats, Floyd has good contacts and deep roots to the community. Her implicit tie to the party, however, might be difficult in the Republican-friendly district.
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Jmac, I love political speculation more than the next person, but there are several things you should be made keenly aware of in a big hurry.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when you speculate about someone running for an office other than their current job you can jeopardize their current employment, albeit unintentionally.
Secondly, Laura is/was the chair of the Oglethorpe Democratic Committee, not the President, and her deep roots were not planted all that much longer than you have been in Oconee. Now ask her about Chris Dodd and you may get an earful.
Keep up the good work.
Third, I'm sure you meant "raise" and not race a good chunk of money, but it is an accurate assessment (although I am reasonably certain people are not too gung ho to contribute to anyone's campaign right now).
You were missed at our last meeting and are sorely needed.
Put April 2nd down on your calendar if you can and please attend as I will be absent and they need some good ideas about the impending Poythress meet annd greet April 19th at Harris Shoals Park.