Rumor roundup

Just a few updates or, in this case, reaffirmations of the existing status quo regarding electoral rumors. The most interesting appears to involve Sean Hogan, a local builder who has sparred frequently with the Athens-Clarke County Commission on local land use issues, but is a strong Democrat when it comes to state and national issues.

Hogan has been linked to a few local seats in the past, but I've heard recent rumblings regarding him pondering a challenge to Rep. Paul Broun. He was recently spotted at the Democratic Party of Georgia's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, and he certainly has the pedigree to be able to be competitive in the district. Given his status as a past president of the Athens Area Home Builders Association, he'd be able to comfortably speak to members of the business community who have began to express some frustration with Broun's antics, as well as his general lack of desire to do anything for Congressional District 10.

Shoot, given my overflowing dissatisfaction with Broun, you could sign me up for a Hogan candidacy tomorrow, so here's hoping he gives it strong consideration.

On the other fronts, no word on the plans of Rep. Keith Heard who is mulling over a run for Insurance Commissioner, and Holly Ward remains interested as a possible candidate regardless of Heard's plans. Hogan has been linked to this seat too.

On the mayoral front, Athens-Clarke County District Nine Commissioner Kelly Girtz told me he was going to wait until the end of the year to make a decision on seeking the position. Girtz has been rumored to be mulling over a run, and he'd instantly emerge as one of the top candidates given his progressive pedigree.